Postdoctoral Associate - Placenta and Vascular Function

Summary

The Postdoctoral Associate will investigate mechanisms regulating placental development, vascular remodeling, and maternal-fetal adaptations during normal and diabetic pregnancy. Supported by an NIH R01 grant focused on Adrenomedullin (ADM) signaling in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), this position will utilize molecular, cellular, physiological, and animal model approaches to understand how placental dysfunction contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The Postdoctoral Associate will lead studies examining placental vascular structure and function, signaling pathways, and therapeutic interventions targeting ADM pathways. This position offers advanced training in placental biology, reproductive vascular physiology, and translational pregnancy research.

This position is part of a multidisciplinary NIH-funded research program investigating mechanisms of placental dysfunction in gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications. The Postdoctoral Associate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations spanning reproductive biology, vascular physiology, endocrinology, and maternal-fetal medicine. The position provides substantial opportunities for publication, mentorship, scientific leadership, and preparation for an independent research career.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties

• Conducts placental biology and vascular physiology studies using rodent models and human samples.
• Conducts functional vascular studies using wire myography and related vascular physiology techniques.
• Assists with implementation of conditional knockout and pharmacologic intervention studies.
• Evaluates signaling pathways regulating angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and placental function using molecular, cellular, and histological techniques.
• Performs cell culture experiments investigating trophoblast and vascular cell biology.
• Assists with optimization and troubleshooting of laboratory protocols.
• Performs data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination including preparation of manuscripts abstracts, figures, and grant reports..
• Participates in and presents findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contributes to development of future grant applications and collaborative projects.
• Collaborates with faculty investigators, trainees, and research staff and contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations involving reproductive biology and maternal-fetal medicine investigators.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Reproductive Biology, Physiology, Vascular Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• Experience in placental biology, reproductive physiology, vascular biology, developmental biology, or pregnancy research.
• Experience with mouse models and tissue-based experimental studies.
• Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience performing vascular physiology studies, including wire myography, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of placental development, angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, or maternal-fetal physiology.
• Strong experimental design and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently conduct research and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing abilities.