Research Scientist I, Basic Science & Transition Research
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The duties of this role will include but are not limited to the following:
This position will assist with the performance of specific tasks in the Basic and Translational Research Division laboratory of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The candidate will be involved in research projects related to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and will focus on both human and mouse models that have previously been developed in the Principal Investigator's lab. Additionally, the Research Scientist will take advantage of a novel blood assay to detect proteinopathy/tauopathy at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy and therapeutic options developed in Dr. Surendra Sharma’s laboratory.
The projects further involve validation of a novel etiology of proteinopathy/tauopathy associated with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes and shared with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). These experiments will involve pre-clinical models using mouse strains developed for ADRD-like diseases to evaluate whether preeclampsia and gestational diabetes sensitize pregnant host or male and female offspring to the onset of neurodegenerative pathology, including behavioral anomalies, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. The candidate will be involved in the Principal Investigator’s collaborative projects with other investigators in the Division of Basic and Translational Research and in other departments at UTMB. The candidate will have a plethora of opportunities to learn new techniques and bioinformatics tools required to stratify proteomics and RNA seq data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
MS or PhD degree with a minimum of 2 years post-doctoral training in relevant areas like cell and molecular biology, routine experimental approaches in the lab.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Ph.D. with 2 years of post-doctoral experience and four years of experience as an independent scientist. The candidate should have strong publication records in the relevant areas. Knowledge in drug discovery, testing and validation are also preferred.
SALARY:
Commensurate with experience.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
