Research Scientist - Neurosurgery (Finance)

The Ren's laboratory focuses on understanding the mechanisms and pathophysiological changes after brain injury, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and white matter disease. We investigate the mechanisms of blood-brain barrier damage, neuronal death, peripheral inflammation, and long-term plasticity processes after brain injury. We also use behavioral animal models, to investigate motor and cognitive activities on neuronal plasticity and long-term recovery from relevant animal disease models. Our research topics include immunology, mitochondria, micoRNAs, and molecular targets after brain injury. In vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models are integrated in our research toolbox. In order to translate basic science to clinical significance, we perform "bedside-to-bench-back-to-bedside" studies by working closely with physicians and neurosurgeons. Our long-term goal devotes to finding out effective therapeutics for treating these devastating neurological diseases.

• Conduct cell culture and molecular experiments
• Manage animal colony and conduct animal studies\
• Maintain lab routines
• Analyze data and summarize research findings
• Prepare manuscripts and grant applications

Position Summary:

Plans, supervises, and directs research, investigation, or other technical operations. Provides technical expertise to facilitate the design, implementation, and analysis of procedures, techniques, and results, which enables investigators to conduct research projects.

Position Key Accountabilities:

Determines feasibility of possible projects to ensure results will have a significant impact. Determines project feasibility in terms of staff, time, and resources.

Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and other biomedical, dental, or related scientific areas. Identifies the problem through contact with other researchers, practicing physicians, or literature searches. Formulates a problem or project to research. Designs procedures to solve the problem.

Conducts experiments using advanced equipment and applying complex techniques. Procedures may include tissue culture, protein purification, enzyme purification, enzyme assays, membrane protein purification, monoclonal antibody analysis, cytogenic analysis, gel electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, immunofluorescent method, radioimmunoassays, biometry, biofeedback, neurotransmitter analysis, biospectrometry, microtomy, liquid, gas and thin layer chromatography, microspectrophotometry, tissue processing, tissue staining, behavioral testing, anesthetic dosage, neurohistochemistry, animal surgery, immunochemistry, gel electrophoresis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, electron microscopy, and biophysical assays and measurements.

Designs experimental procedures, which may involve examining new techniques, that may improve existing analysis and provide additional capabilities.

Evaluates the data from the analysis.

Presents results in a written paper for publication, in a presentation at a meeting, or through personal contact with faculty members and other researchers.

Maintains lab equipment, assists in necessary repairs, and promotes a safe laboratory environment. Ensures direct reports follow safety procedures and attends basic safety training courses.

Provides work direction and guidance to personnel within department. May lead projects and activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

None.

Minimum Education:

Doctorate Degree.

Minimum Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in a related research environment and have verifiable publications within the field of the research project.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.