Research Investigator - Anesthesiology & PeriOp Med - Research

In Anesthesiology & Peri Op Medicine - Research, our neuroscience research focuses on the function of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels and synaptic plasticity in chronic pain, opioid actions, and neurogenic hypertension.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or a related field and bring at least five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. Candidates with hands‑on experience in electrophysiology, particularly in recording, analyzing, and interpreting neural activity, are strongly preferred.

Shift: Day shift position located onsite

Annual salary range: minimum $59,000 – midpoint $74,000 – maximum $89,000

• A supportive research environment:
  Join a well‑resourced department where collaboration, scientific curiosity, and professional development are actively encouraged.
• Stability and competitive compensation:
  Benefit from a day shift schedule and a competitive salary range of $59,000–$89,000, aligned with experience and responsibility.
• A role with purpose and visibility:
  Contribute to projects that generate publishable findings, support grant activity, and advance the scientific reputation of both the lab and the institution.

Research Activity: Assists principal investigator with scientific research projects related to neurobiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and opioid use and abuse. Determines specific goals in research activities, evaluates and analyzes experimental data, and revises and develops techniques or approaches to solve problems. Conducts independent projects with independent experiment designs and execution and participates in collaborative research projects in the lab and within the institution.

Establishes animal models through conditional training, drug treatments and behavioral testing in rodents. Performs acute and survival surgeries in rodents. Carries out electrophysiological recordings and analyses of cell activities, synaptic plasticity and brain circuits. Supervise and train students, technicians, junior fellows and visiting scientists. Is ready to proactively learn new techniques in molecular biology, epigenetics, optogenetics, and neuroscience in general.

Record Keeping, Data Collection, and Presentation: Maintain accurate experimental records and detailed records for controlled substance and select agents (TTX). Analyze data generated from experiments and prepare graphs, slides and tables via photography, computer, or manually and present at laboratory meetings. Communicates results to and understands instructions from principal investigators and colleagues. Communicates with faculty and staff within and outside the laboratory in scientific discussion, data presentation and literature reviews.

Prepares and writes manuscripts for publications.

Research Safety & Compliance: Works on general laboratory routine functions including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, minor repairs on small equipment, inventory bookkeeping and supply ordering. Handles, stores, and disposes of chemical hazardous materials and biohazardous materials in specified procedures to meet institutional safety guidelines. Follows the IACUC and IBC procedures that listed on PI's IACUC protocols. Monitors laboratory equipment operation and implements safety procedures, including laboratory safety, activity reports, and institution inspections.

Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Required: Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

Preferred: Experience in electrophysiology.

Required: None.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas…