Temporary Professional Postdoctoral Research Assistant – East Tennessee State University

Temporary Professional Postdoctoral Research Assistant – East Tennessee State University

The Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Assistant for a Temporary Professional Full-Time position. In this vital role, you will work closely with the Supervisor/Principal Investigator, Dr. Brooke Schmeichel, contributing to groundbreaking preclinical research experiments investigating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. Learn more about Dr.

Brooke Schmeichel here:

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo neuroscience experiments in rodent models of addiction.
• Design and conduct cutting-edge experiments, lead independent research projects, and contribute to collaborative, multidisciplinary studies.
• Employ advanced neuroscience techniques, which may include:
  • Fiber photometry for real-time neural activity monitoring
  • Chemo genetics for circuit manipulation
  • Neuroinflammation assays including immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and related approaches
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records, data analysis pipelines, and prepare results for publication and presentation.
• Collaborate with lab members and external partners on ongoing projects.
• Contribute to grant proposals, manuscript writing, and conference presentations.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations, controlled substances, and animal care protocols.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of basic laboratory methodology.
• Knowledge of business English and arithmetic.
• Ability to perform research projects.
• Ability to gather and compile data.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office – especially Excel.
• Familiarity with Fluorescence Microscopy.
• Familiarity with grant writing and commitment to developing independent funding proposals.

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Adherence to ethical research principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following:
  • Fiber photometry and/or chemo genetic approaches in rodents.
  • Neuroinflammation research methods.
  • Addiction behavioral assays in rodents.

• Proficiency with relevant software for data acquisition and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Prism/Graph Pad, EEG scoring software).
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• A strong trajectory towards research productivity.
• Prior experience in assisting with grant writing (strongly preferred).

• Work performed in an office-laboratory setting with occasional physical exertion.
• Requires standing or sitting for extended periods, handling animals, and operating equipment.
• Manual dexterity and use of PPE are required in compliance with safety guidelines.
• Standard lab equipment, computer, and workspace provided.

• Commensurate with education and experience.
• For information on benefits, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Attach the following documents:
  Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Transcripts, Statement of Research, and Three (3) References to include name, contact phone number, and email address.
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
• Employment is contingent upon approved work authorization.
• Employment is…