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 with patch‑clamp electrophysiology techniques, 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.

What's in it for you?

• 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.

• Assist principal investigator with scientific research projects related to neurobiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and opioid use and abuse.
• Determine specific goals in research activities, evaluate and analyze experimental data, and revise and develop techniques or approaches to solve problems.
• Conduct independent projects with independent experiment designs and execution and participate in collaborative research projects in the lab and within the institution.
• Establish animal models through conditional training, drug treatments and behavioral testing in rodents. Perform acute and survival surgeries in rodents.
• Carry out electrophysiological recordings and analyses of cell activities, synaptic plasticity and brain circuits.
• Supervise and train students, technicians, junior fellows and visiting scientists.
• Be ready to proactively learn new techniques in molecular biology, epigenetics, optogenetics, and neuroscience in general.

• 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.
• Communicate results to and understand instructions from principal investigators and colleagues.
• Communicate with faculty and staff within and outside the laboratory in scientific discussion, data presentation and literature reviews.
• Prepare and write manuscripts for publications.

• Work on general laboratory routine functions including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, minor repairs on small equipment, inventory bookkeeping and supply ordering.
• Handle, store, and dispose of chemical hazardous materials and biohazardous materials in specified procedures to meet institutional safety guidelines.
• Follow the IACUC and IBC procedures as listed on PI's IACUC protocols. Monitor laboratory equipment operation and implement 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 patch‑clamp electrophysiology techniques.

• Required:
  
  None.

• Medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

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 Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.