Postdoctoral Research Associate of Chemical Biology

University of North Texas - Denton
United States, Texas, Denton
1155 Union Circle (Show on map)
Jun 25, 2025
Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate of Chemical Biology Employee Classification: Postdoctoral Research Assoc Campus: University of North Texas Division: UNT-Provost SubDivision-Department: UNT-College of Science Department: UNT-Chemistry-121200 Job Location: Denton Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidates qualifications, experience, and discipline, in acordance with university guidelines and available funding. FTE: 1.00 Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible About Us - Values Overview: Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team. Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu. Department Summary The Department of Chemistry offers diverse opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in cutting-edge technology and research. We allow students to pursue their scientific creativity with guidance from leading chemistry faculty. UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba. Position Overview The postdoctoral research associate will work closely with the Afosah group to investigate the roles of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and GAG mimetics in megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis using Danio rerio (zebrafish) as a model system. This research aims to address critical gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing platelet production. The postdoctoral researcher will lead efforts to elucidate the pathways by which GAGs influence thrombocyte development and function, employing a combination of genetic, biochemical, and imaging techniques. Key experimental approaches will include gene knockdown using the piggyback Vivo-Morpholino method, the generation of thrombocytopenic zebrafish models via gamma irradiation or antibody-mediated platelet depletion, and the pharmacological modulation of thrombocyte levels through intravenous or intraperitoneal compound administration. Additional responsibilities will include evaluating the effects of GAG-related compounds in zebrafish thrombosis models and using flow cytometry and microkinetic coagulation assays to assess thrombocyte and coagulation parameters. The postdoctoral associate will also contribute to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students, oversee day-to-day research operations, and assist in the preparation of manuscripts and funding proposals. This position offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, including access to shared facilities for irradiation and flow cytometry at partnering institutions. Minimum Qualifications * Ph.D. in biology, biomedical sciences, physiology, or a related field * Experience with animal models, preferably zebrafish or other small vertebrates * Strong experimental skills in molecular biology, cell biology, or physiology * Excellent communication skills * Knowledge of standard lab safety and animal handling protocols Preferred Qualifications * Hands-on experience with microinjections, gene knockdowns (e.g., morpholinos or CRISPR), or compound administration in zebrafish * Familiarity with flow cytometry, coagulation assays, or platelet biology * Prior experience with handling blood samples and performing in vivo pharmacology * Comfort with statistical analysis and data visualization tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, SigmaPlot) Required License/Registration/Certifications Job Duties: Design and conduct zebrafish-based experiments to investigate GAG function in thrombopoiesis (including gene knockdown, compound administration, and thrombocyte depletion models) Contribute to mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students Contribute to writing proposals and manuscripts Work Schedule: Varies Driving University Vehicle: No Security Sensitive: This is a Security Sensitive Position. Special Instructions: Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Benefits: For information regarding our Benefits, click here. EEO Statement: The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.