Research Scientist - Brain Health Institute

Research Scientist I - Brain Health Institute

** Galveston, Texas, United States*
* ** New*
* Research Academic & Clinical

UTMB Health

Requisition # 2605121

** JOB SUMMARY*
* The Research Scientist 1 will conduct interdisciplinary neuroscience research within the Neurodevelopmental Systems program of the Moody Brain Health Institute (MBHI). Under general direction, the position will contribute to assigned projects using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids and complementary cellular and animal models to study neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, neural stem cell biology, and cognitive resilience.

The scientist will establish research objectives and methods; design and execute experiments; analyze and interpret data; and communicate results through reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant-related materials. Activities may include 2D and 3D cell culture, organoid generation and characterization, tau and amyloid-beta oligomer studies, imaging, and electrophysiological or functional analyses. The scientist will select and apply established techniques and adapt methods when necessary.

The role requires increasing scientific independence, project-specific lead responsibilities, technical guidance and training of research personnel and trainees, and collaboration across MBHI and UTMB. Assignments will be based on program priorities, candidate expertise, and institutional needs.

** ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*
* · Establish research objectives, experimental strategies, and methods for assigned projects in consultation with the supervising investigator

· Design, optimize, and conduct studies using human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids, neural stem/progenitor cells, and other relevant models

· Develop and characterize models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, including tau and amyloid-beta oligomer toxicity

· Perform advanced workflows including sterile 2D/3D culture, microscopy, tissue processing, molecular assays, electrophysiological or functional analyses, and data acquisition

· Analyze and interpret data; troubleshoot technical or scientific problems; and implement appropriate controls and quality-assurance measures

· Maintain accurate experimental documentation, reproducible workflows, and compliance with safety, biosafety, and regulatory requirements

· Prepare figures, reports, abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related scientific materials; communicate progress to the supervising investigator

· Provide technical direction and training to research staff, students, and other trainees and oversee assigned tasks as appropriate

· Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators, and support shared MBHI resources, equipment, protocols, and project planning

· Review scientific literature, contribute to method development and innovation, and perform related duties as assigned

** KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES*
* · Knowledge of neuroscience, neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, or a related discipline, with increasing professional achievement

· Specialized expertise in human iPSC-derived models, cerebral organoids, neural stem cell biology, or related 2D/3D culture systems

· Strong experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, technical, and scientific problem-solving skills

· Ability to apply established scientific methods and adapt techniques when necessary

· Ability to work independently under general direction and contribute to or lead assigned research activities

· Effective written and oral communication, including preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, presentations, and grant materials

· Ability to train or mentor research personnel and maintain reproducible research, quality-control, biosafety, and responsible-conduct standards

** EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE*
* *
* Minimum Qualifications:

*
* · PhD in neuroscience, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field

· Graduate-level experience designing and conducting neuroscience or biomedical research

· Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and troubleshooting research methods

· Evidence of scientific productivity through publications, presentations, or comparable scholarly…