Job Details

TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate - Dr. Murali Vijayan's Lab

Position Number: 6557678
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate - Dr. Murali Vijayan's Lab
Lubbock
42257BR
Nutritional Sciences

Position Description
Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.

Major/Essential Functions
Cell and Molecular Biology Research
-Design and conduct in vitro experiments to study regulatory mechanisms relevant to neurodegenerative and injury-related pathways.
-Perform standard molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and reporter assays.
-Conduct gene modulation studies using overexpression, inhibition, and gene silencing approaches.

Cell Culture and Experimental Modeling
-Maintain and work with multiple rodent-derived neural and vascular cell lines (neurons, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells).
-Induce in vitro injury models such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, or ischemia-mimicking conditions.
-Analyze cell viability, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell signaling outcomes.

Mitochondrial and Functional Assays
-Perform mitochondrial assays: ATP production, ROS detection (e.g., MitoSOX), lipid peroxidation, cytochrome oxidase activity.
-Use advanced platforms like Seahorse XF Analyzer to measure mitochondrial respiration (OCR) and glycolytic function.
-Conduct live-cell imaging and MitoTracker analysis to assess mitochondrial morphology and health.

In Vivo Stroke Model (tMCAO)
-Conduct surgeries for transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in mice, both sexes.
-Deliver intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of miRNA agomirs/antagomirs.
-Ensure consistent occlusion using laser Doppler flowmetry and manage post-op care and monitoring.

Behavioral and Cognitive Assessments
-Perform motor and cognitive behavioral tests, including:
-Beam walk test (motor coordination)
-Novel object recognition test (cognitive recovery)
-Analyze and interpret behavioral data relative to treatment conditions.

Histology and Imaging
-Conduct tissue processing for: TTC staining (infarct volume), TUNEL and Nissl staining (apoptosis, neuronal integrity), Immunofluorescence microscopy for target protein localization, Electron microscopy for mitochondrial ultrastructure,

Autophagy and Cellular Mechanism Studies
-Assess cellular degradation and recycling processes using advanced fluorescent and imaging-based tools.
-Quantify expression of key pathway markers related to cellular maintenance and stress responses.

Data Analysis and Interpretation
-Perform statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism or equivalent software.
-Analyze multi-modal datasets including molecular, cellular, behavioral, and imaging outputs.
-Present data in figures/tables for publications and grant reports.

Manuscript and Grant Writing
-Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant progress reports, and scientific presentations.
-Assist in preparation of future NIH proposals and possible translational grant applications.

Project Coordination and Compliance
-Maintain rigorous experimental records to ensure reproducibility and scientific rigor.
-Adhere to IACUC and biosafety protocols, including animal welfare and ethical standards.
-Participate in lab meetings, mentor students, and coordinate with collaborators (e.g., for Golgi-Cox staining, EM imaging).

Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
-Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related field with a focus on stroke, neurodegeneration, or aging.
-Hands-on experience with in vivo stroke models, particularly Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) in rodents.
-Demonstrated proficiency in rodent surgical techniques, including stereotaxic injections and intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery.
-Prior training in behavioral neuroscience, with experience conducting and analyzing motor and cognitive tests in rodents.
-Background in mitochondrial biology, autophagy/mitophagy, or cell stress pathways.
-Experience with molecular and cellular techniques such as qPCR, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy.
-Familiarity with bioenergetic profiling using tools like the Seahorse XF Analyzer.
-Track record of peer-reviewed publications and active participation in scientific presentations or conferences.
-Excellent communication skills, with ability to mentor junior researchers and work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary lab.
-Strong interest in translational research and potential to develop an independent research trajectory.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Minimum Hire Rate

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.