Temporary Professional Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Job Summary: 

The Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Assistant for a Temporary Professional Full-Time position.

In this vital role, you will work closely with the Supervisor/Principal Investigator, Dr. Brooke Schmeichel, contributing to groundbreaking preclinical research experiments investigating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. Employees are under general supervision. 

Learn more about Dr. Brooke Schmeichel here: https://schmeichel-lab.weebly.com/  

Responsibilities will include:

• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo neuroscience experiments in rodent models of addiction,
• Design and conduct cutting-edge experiments, lead independent research projects, and contribute to collaborative, multidisciplinary studies,
• Employ advanced neuroscience techniques, which may include:
  o Fiber photometry for real-time neural activity monitoring,
  o Chemogenetics for circuit manipulation,
  o Neuroinflammation assays including immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and related approaches,
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees,
• Maintain meticulous experimental records, data analysis pipelines, and prepare results for publication and presentation,
• Collaborate with lab members and external partners on ongoing projects,
• Contribute to grant proposals, manuscript writing, and conference presentations,
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations, controlled substances, and animal care protocols,
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work,
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of basic laboratory methodology
• Knowledge of business English and arithmetic
• Ability to perform research projects
• Ability to gather and compile data
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office – especially Excel
• Familiarity with Fluorescence Microscopy
• Familiarity with grant writing and commitment to developing independent funding proposals.

Required Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Adherence to ethical research principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following:
  • Fiber photometry and/or chemogenetic approaches in rodents,
  • Neuroinflammation research methods,
  • Addiction behavioral assays in rodents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with relevant software for data acquisition and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Prism/GraphPad, EEG scoring software).
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• A strong trajectory towards research productivity.
• Prior experience in assisting with grant writing (strongly preferred).

Physical Demands:  

• Work performed in an office-laboratory setting with occasional physical exertion.
• Requires standing or sitting for extended periods, handling animals, and operating equipment.
• Manual dexterity and use of PPE are required in compliance with safety guidelines.
• Standard lab equipment, computer, and workspace provided.

Compensation & Benefits:   

• Commensurate with education and experience.
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/. 

Application Requirements & Conditions:

• Attach the following documents: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Transcripts, Statement of Research, and Three (3) References to include name, contact phone number, and email address.
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
• Employment is contingent upon approved work authorization.
• Employment is contingent upon sufficient grant funding.
• Non-Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) days.  The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice.

 University Overview:

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.