Postdoctoral Research Associate

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S07364P Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Functional Title Department Neuroscience Salary Range $63,480, DOQ Pay Basis Monthly Position Status Regular full-time Location Richardson Position End Date (if temporary) Posting Open Date 11/10/2026 Posting Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Desired Start Date 06/01/2027 Job Summary

The Price Lab at UT Dallas is seeking a highly skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and expand its human neural tissue procurement program in partnership with the Southwest Transplant Alliance (STA). The successful candidate will recover nervous system and spine tissue from organ donors, including dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord, trigeminal ganglia (TG), lumbar and cervical vertebrae and disc material, and brain tissue. The candidate will help bring this tissue into active research exploring the molecular mechanisms of chronic pain and spine degeneration.

Human tissue is central to the lab's translational mission. This work uses sequencing and functional studies in human nervous tissue to identify and validate therapeutic targets for pain conditions. The role sits at the interface of clinical donation and basic science and is ideal for a neuroscientist with neurosurgical expertise who wants to see their work help shape the next generation of pain and spine disease therapeutics.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will also develop research projects related to spine pain involving the use of spinal tissues and associated nervous system samples. Extensive in vitro cellular work is also required for this position.

This position may be grant funded. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D in a related field.

Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Extensive hands-on experience with neurosurgical or neuroanatomical surgical techniques, including the dissection and recovery of spinal and peripheral nervous tissue.

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform surgical recovery of nervous tissue (DRG, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and related tissues) from organ donors in coordination with STA and organ recovery teams
• Be available for on-call, time-sensitive recoveries, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Process, preserve, and document tissue immediately after recovery for downstream applications, including RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, histology, and functional assays such as electrophysiology and calcium imaging
• Develop, refine, and document standard operating procedures for tissue recovery, handling, quality control, and transport
• Maintain donor and tissue metadata, chain-of-custody records, and sample tracking systems
• Build and sustain productive working relationships with STA staff, procurement coordinators, and surgical teams
• Design and carry out independent research projects using human tissue, using in vitro methods with primary cells.
• Train and mentor graduate students, research staff, and undergraduates in tissue handling, in vitro biology and neuroscience, and other relevant techniques
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and make sound decisions in time-sensitive, high-pressure situations
• Extensive experience with neurosurgical techniques, handling of human tissue, and relevant biosafety and compliance training
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail and documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness and ability to respond to on-call recovery requests, including travel throughout the region on short notice
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Travel:

This position may be subject to occasional travel for conferences, training, and development, or for other project needs.

Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information

Work is conducted on-site and in-person

What We Can Offer

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Optional Long and Short-term Disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

About Us

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.

Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.

Let us be your employer of choice! #WHOOSH

Special Instructions Summary Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214