Research Scientist I - Brain Health Institute

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 contributions, with peer recognition in progress

·         Experience with cell culture and/or human-relevant cellular models

·         Effective written and verbal communication and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

·         Demonstrated ability or potential to train or mentor students, trainees, or research personnel

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Experience generating, maintaining, and characterizing human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids

·         Expertise in neural stem cell biology, adult neurogenesis, Alzheimer's disease, or related neurodegenerative mechanisms

·         Experience studying tau or amyloid-beta oligomer toxicity and cellular or circuit-level outcomes

·         Experience with confocal microscopy, image analysis, electrophysiology, and/or multielectrode arrays.

·         Experience with rodent models, stereotaxic surgery, tissue processing, and translational neuroscience

·         Peer-reviewed publications

·         Experience contributing to multidisciplinary projects and mentoring graduate students or other trainees
 

SALARY:
Commensurate with experience. 
 

SUPERVISION
Received: Associate Director for Neurodevelopmental Systems, Moody Brain Health Institute
Given: May provide technical direction to research staff and train or mentor students and other trainees
 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT
Standard laboratory and office environment. Work may involve human iPSC-derived cells, biological specimens, laboratory animals, lasers, imaging systems, electrophysiological equipment, and standard molecular and cell culture instrumentation. Flexible scheduling may be required for time-sensitive experiments and applicable safety and institutional training requirements.