Research Scientist II

University of Texas at Dallas, United States

Updated: about 10 hours ago
Location: Richardson, TEXAS
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Posting Number S06920P
Position Title Research Scientist II
Functional Title
Department Neuroscience
Salary Range $75,000 - $80,000, DOQ
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 03/13/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled No
Desired Start Date 06/01/2026
Job Summary
Department of Neuroscience & Center for Advanced Pain Studies
The University of Texas at Dallas

Position Summary
The Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies at UT Dallas invite applications for a Research Scientist II to join the Price Lab. This position is designed for an experienced, highly motivated scientist who will play a key intellectual and technical role in advancing the lab’s NIH-funded research program focused on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic pain.

Responsibilities
  • The Research Scientist II will lead and contribute to federally funded projects aimed at defining how neuronal plasticity alters nociceptive processing within the sensory and central nervous systems, and how these maladaptive changes drive the transition from acute to chronic pain.
  • Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating the role of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as a critical regulator of sensory neuron excitability and pain signaling under both physiological and pathological conditions.
  • This role will also help expand and shape ongoing laboratory efforts focused on identifying and characterizing novel molecular and cellular targets, including ion channel mechanisms and associated signaling pathways, that regulate sensory neuron excitability following injury.



Research Activities
  • The successful candidate will design, execute, and interpret complex experiments in both preclinical models of pain and in vitro human sensory neuron systems, with a strong emphasis on patch-clamp electrophysiology, functional assays, and mechanistic studies of neuronal signaling.
  • This position requires a high level of scientific independence, including responsibility for experimental strategy, troubleshooting, data analysis, and integration of findings across multiple approaches.


Scholarly & Mentoring Expectations
  • Beyond hands-on research, the Research Scientist II will be expected to contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and progress reports, and to present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences.
  • The individual will also play a mentoring role by providing technical guidance and scientific oversight to trainees, including graduate students and research staff, and may assist in coordinating collaborative projects within and outside the institution.
  • This position offers the opportunity to take a leadership role in a dynamic, well-funded research environment, contributing directly to high-impact studies aimed at understanding and ultimately treating chronic pain.

This position is 100% grant funded. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Minimum Education and Experience
A minimum of a PhD in a field directly related to research and a minimum of two years of experience/expertise as noted below.
Preferred Education and Experience
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Experience working with human nervous tissue
  • 6+ years of research experience in preclinical pain models.
  • 6+ years of experience with human sensory neuron or spinal cord in vitro patch clamp electrophysiology methods
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic laboratory environment is essential.
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
  • Design, lead, and execute advanced electrophysiological studies using human nervous tissue and human‑derived sensory neurons.
  • Independently develop and optimize experimental protocols for working with human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissue, including tissue processing, neuronal isolation, culture conditions, and recording paradigms.
  • Apply electrophysiological approaches to investigate mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, injury‑induced sensitization, and chronic pain.
  • Analyze, interpret, and statistically evaluate complex electrophysiological datasets.
  • Serve as a scientific lead on assigned NIH‑funded projects, contributing to experimental strategy, milestone planning, and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate closely with principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows, clinicians, and external partners to integrate human tissue–based electrophysiology.
  • Prepare high‑quality figures, reports, and written content for manuscripts, grant applications, progress reports, and presentations.
  • Mentor and train graduate students and research staff in electrophysiological techniques, experimental design, and data interpretation.
  • Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and optimization of electrophysiology equipment and software.
  • Contribute to the broader scientific direction of the laboratory by identifying emerging research opportunities, proposing novel hypotheses, and supporting the development of new research initiatives related to human pain biology.
  • Other duties as assigned.



Essential Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)
  • Ability to apply established quality control criteria in all experimental designs.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal presentations and in writing technical reports for internal/external presentations, publications, and grant preparation.
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a laboratory environment is essential.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Work Notice:
Work will be performed on site and in person.
Travel:
This position may be subject to occasional travel for conferences, training and development, or for other project needs.
About UT Dallas
The position is housed in the Department of Neuroscience & Center for Advanced Pain Studies within the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (bbs.utdallas.edu).
  • UT Dallas is the fastest-growing university in Texas and is ranked #3 nationally among universities under 50 years old.
  • The campus is home to a thriving research community with extensive opportunities for collaboration.
  • The Dallas area offers a dynamic cultural scene, international economic opportunities, exceptional arts and entertainment, and a temperate climate.


What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
  • 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
  • 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.
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 .

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