Post Doctoral Fellow

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

A full-time Postdoctoral Position is immediately available in the Laboratory of Dr. Sayan Nandi, in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Heinbockel and Dr. Byron Ford, in the Department of Anatomy, Howard University, Washington DC. The laboratories are focused on understanding the roles of neuroinflammation in brain injury. Microglia are the principal immune cells of the brain and constitute 10%-15% of total brain cells. They are bona fide phagocytes with well-defined roles in clearing dead cells and debris. Microglial “activation” is considered as a “double-edged sword” in neural injuries such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, with both beneficial and detrimental roles. Microglial “activation” is required to clear dead neurons, leading to the recovery process. On the other hand, inappropriately activated microglia can release proinflammatory cytokines and further engulf live neurons, thereby worsening the injury. We will test the ideas of direct roles played by microglia in these processes using genetically engineered mouse models. We will combine surgical, histological, imaging and molecular (spatial transcriptomic and epigenetic) approaches to understand microglial contribution to the recovery

from a neural injury.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

The candidate is expected to be involved either directly or indirectly (by assisting the PIs) in the training of incoming students and postdoctoral fellows.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include assistant/associate deans, directors, department heads/chairs, faculty, staff and students at the College and school levels, and deans, directors, and executive level officers at university level. External contacts include governmental agencies such as Federal and the District of

Columbia Agencies, health professionals, students, parents, and the general public. Fulfill tasks in collaborative team of students and researchers from Howard University.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The candidate is expected to have training in rodent surgical, histological and imaging techniques.
• The candidate is also expected to work collaboratively with the faculty in the Department of Anatomy as well as outside the Department, as required.
• The candidate should be able to effectively communicate with the PIs.
• This position requires in-depth understanding of brain functions and scientific literature, extensive data analyses and interpretation as well as skills required for scientific presentation.
• The candidate is expected to be involved in the training of incoming students and postdoctoral fellows in the PI’s laboratory.
• Participates in academic, didactic, and professional training provided through seminars, workshops, and direct meetings with grant faculty.
• Coordinates and assure development of pertinent reports and their timely delivery.
• Conducts data collection, statistical analysis, and data interpretation responsibilities secondary to CMHSR grant portfolio.
• Participates in grant writing, development of manuscripts and reports, and conduct of primary and secondary data analyses.
• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield one or more publications including conference abstract proceedings.
• Mentors doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the University with excellent oral
• communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting and contributes to laboratory organization
• including meeting planning.
• Designs research experiments, evaluates research findings, and reports results.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with his/her mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures, and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the University.
• Participates in weekly and/or bi-weekly group meetings, and professional training with or without students.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Demonstrated computing experience and knowledge, including software packages such as word processing, database applications, and spreadsheet.
• Competence in both oral and written English and ability to articulate concisely and in a
• professional manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative interdisciplinary healthcare environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants should have received, by the activation date of the postdoctoral fellowship, a Ph.D. (or similar

doctoral degree such as MD, Pharm.D., Sc.D., DrPH, etc.) in Neuroscience or related fields.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$60,000-$70,000