Postdoctoral Associate

About the role

The Department of Neurology is seeking an eager Postdoctoral Associate to receive advanced mentored training in basic and translational experimental design. The associate will conduct laboratory studies using samples from human donors, assist with mammalian cell culture and extracellular vesicle isolation, and apply molecular, RNA‑based, data analytic, and bioinformatic methods. The position is intended to prepare the associate for an independent career in biomedical and translational research.

Responsibilities

• Plans, conducts, and evaluates molecular and cellular research experiments.
• Processes and analyzes biological samples obtained from human donors.
• Maintains mammalian cell cultures using sterile techniques and performs experimental treatments and sample collection.
• Assists with extracellular vesicle isolation, purification, characterization, and functional studies.
• Performs RNA isolation, quality assessment, reverse transcription, quantitative PCR, and related molecular assays.
• Supports transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses using established computational workflows.
• Uses R, Python, or comparable software for data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization.
• Develops, optimizes, documents, and follows laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintains accurate laboratory notebooks, sample inventories, metadata, code, and research records.
• Performs quality control, troubleshoots experimental or analytic problems, and interprets findings using appropriate controls.
• Reviews scientific literature and contributes to the development of new research questions and methods.
• Prepares manuscripts, abstracts, figures, presentations, progress reports, and sections of grant applications.
• Collaborates with clinical investigators, laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, statisticians, and research staff.
• Supports multiple experimental and analytic projects while maintaining attention to detail, scientific rigor, and reproducibility.
• May assist with laboratory operations and the training of students and research staff.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, bioinformatics, computational biology, biomedical science, or a related field.
• Graduate or postgraduate research experience in a laboratory dealing with molecular or cellular biology, RNA research, cell culture, extracellular vesicles, bioinformatics, or a related area.

Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.