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TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate - Dr. Murali Vijayan's Lab
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. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. 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). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
-Strong background in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field, typically demonstrated through a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience.
-Proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to cell culture, PCR, Western blotting, immunostaining, microscopy, and data analysis.
-Experience with in vivo models and related surgical procedures (e.g., stereotaxic injection, stroke modeling, or behavioral testing in rodents) is highly desirable.
-Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, troubleshoot experiments, and analyze complex data using appropriate statistical and software tools.
-Familiarity with mitochondrial function assays, autophagy/mitophagy studies, or related cellular pathways is a plus.
-Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare manuscripts, reports, and present findings at scientific meetings.
-Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
-Capacity to mentor junior lab members and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
-Commitment to ethical research conduct, laboratory safety, and compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
Preferred
-Prior experience performing Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) or similar in vivo stroke models in rodents, including surgical techniques, post-operative care, and infarct evaluation.
-Familiarity with neurological disease models related to aging, ischemia, or neurodegeneration.
-Proficiency in advanced imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, fluorescence imaging, or electron microscopy.
-Experience conducting mitochondrial function assays, bioenergetics profiling (e.g., Seahorse XF Analyzer), and oxidative stress assessments.
-Hands-on experience with behavioral testing in rodents, particularly post-stroke motor and cognitive function tests.
-Knowledge of autophagy, mitophagy, and other cellular quality control mechanisms in neurological or vascular injury contexts.
-Understanding of non-coding RNA biology, including RNA-based modulation in disease models.
-Competency with scientific software and tools such as GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, and basic statistical packages.
-Prior involvement in peer-reviewed publications, research presentations, and/or collaborative grant writing.
-Ability to manage complex, multi-step experiments and work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. 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. Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? Yes Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Research Statement, Resume / CV Job Sub Family Researchers & Scientists Annualized Pay Range $53,900 - $70,100 - $86,200 Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan. EEO Statement 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. |
Texas Tech University
Sep 09, 2025