Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join the Case Laboratory in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Medical Physiology at Texas A&M University School of Medicine. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research focused on neuroimmunology, stress and trauma biology, and the mechanisms through which immune‑brain interactions contribute to physiological and behavioral outcomes. Current research interests include understanding how traumatic stress influences immune function and susceptibility to cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, as well as how immune signaling shapes behavior before and after traumatic experiences. The associate will develop and lead research projects, contribute to grant and manuscript preparation, mentor trainees, and collaborate with faculty and research staff within a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze independent research projects aligned with the laboratory’s focus on neuroimmune interactions and trauma‑related physiology.
• Develop and implement mouse models relevant to neuroimmunology, stress biology, cardiovascular physiology, and immune‑mediated disease processes.
• Perform rodent surgical procedures and provide postoperative monitoring and care.
• Conduct physiological, immunological, molecular, and behavioral experiments using established and emerging methodologies.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the development of extramural grant applications, fellowship proposals, and progress reports.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and ethical regulations governing animal research.
• Actively participate in the preparation of required progress reports to research sponsors.
• Collaborate effectively with investigators across disciplines including immunology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and cardiovascular physiology.
• Assist in laboratory management, organization, and maintenance of research equipment and resources.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and laboratory personnel; lead a team of research personnel and serve as a point of contact for project management alongside the PI.
• Prepare presentation materials for small and large group audiences and participate in professional development workshops.
• Assist in financial management strategies for laboratory operations and help develop budgets for research endeavors.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, immunology, physiology, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Research experience in neuroimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, or immune‑brain communication.
• Experience studying stress, trauma, PTSD‑related mechanisms, or behavioral neuroscience.
• Expertise in immunological techniques such as flow cytometry, immune cell phenotyping, cytokine analysis, or related approaches.
• Experience with cardiovascular physiology or cardiovascular disease models.
• Background in molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, transcriptomic analyses, etc.).
• Proficiency in advanced statistical analysis and scientific programming.
• Prior experience mentoring students or junior researchers.
• Demonstrated success in manuscript preparation and grant writing.
• Ability to independently design and execute research studies.
• Experience working with rodent models, including mouse handling, experimental procedures, and surgical techniques.
• Strong record of scientific productivity (peer‑reviewed publications and/or conference presentations).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong work ethic.

Schedule

May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours. Travel may be required. This position is grant‑funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and long‑term disability insurance (with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums).
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Health and wellness programs, including free exercise programs and release time.
• Professional development resources: free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support for conferences and workshops.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed.
• Living Well program – employee‑focused wellness initiatives.