Open Positions in 2024

Postdoctoral Fellow position.

We seek a recent Ph.D. to join our Center for Neuroregeneration at the Villapol Laboratory as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 NeuralCODR postdoctoral fellows.

Check out our new Postdoctoral Training Program NIH T32 to study the connection between the brain and the periphery.

Please send all inquiries and requests to svillapol@houstonmethodist.org

A full-time position for a Postdoctoral Scientist is immediately available in Dr. Sonia Villapol’s laboratory within the Center for Neuroregeneration at Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston (Texas).

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 NeuralCODR postdoctoral. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/education/research/neuralcodr/

This specialized, two-year postdoctoral training program is designed to fill a critical gap in postgraduate training across the disciplines of molecular neuroscience, neural modulation and organ function. Fellows enter and experience the program as a cohort. NeuralCODR offers a curriculum of courses, workshops, programs, seminars and retreats to help guide our fellows in launching their own independent careers. The end goal is to create a new generation of scientists and innovators, future leaders in the field of neural control of organ degeneration and regeneration.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to assist with projects related to neuroprotection and/or neurorestoration of the damaged brain. In the Villapol lab, we are investigating the contribution of peripheral inflammation, sex differences, and gut microbiota to brain pathology. Our overarching research goal is to provide a sound basis for developing novel therapies for patients suffering from brain injury while performing exploratory research in the avenue of brain trauma and stroke. Our overall purpose is to identify new treatments to restore the injured brain.

Ongoing projects include:

1) elucidating the role of peripheral inflammation and immune modulation following brain injury,

2) investigating the role of the microbiome in the neuropathology of brain injury,

3) targeting the inflammatory cascade as a preventative measure for the onset of Alzheimer´s disease after head injury.

The applicant should be skilled in general rodent models of brain injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury models, or similar), must has the ability to perform in vivo animal work, in vitro primary cell cultures, analyze data, and write and publish manuscripts. In addition, the candidate must have excellent organizational and communication skills, with documented experience in molecular biology and rodent surgery. Experience in gnotobiotic mouse model systems and research experience utilizing rodents for behavioral assays is desired but not required. The candidate will have the opportunity to do basic science and pre-clinical research as they will work in a translational research environment.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. required in neuroscience, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, immunology or a closely related discipline.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and the name and contact information of three references (letters not required at initial inquiry). Applications should be sent directly to:

svillapol ( a ) houstonmethodist.org

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Research Assistant position.

We seek a recent college graduate to join our Center for Neuroregeneration at the Villapol Laboratory as a Research Assistant. This position is appropriate for new graduates who look to learn and obtain more experience for a couple of years in biomedical research in a start-up/academic and clinical environment prior to graduate schools or other research jobs.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to assist with projects related to neuroprotection and/or neurorestoration of the damaged brain. In the Villapol lab, we are investigating the contribution of neuroinflammation, sex differences, nanoparticles brain delivery, and the gut microbiome in the neuropathology of brain injury and the neurodegenerative process. Our overarching research goal is to identify new treatments to restore the injured brain.

Responsible for performing basic laboratory experiments under general supervision as well as more advanced duties under direct supervision.

The candidate will have the opportunity to do basic science, pre-clinical research using rodent models and clinical research as they will work in a translational research environment, with a team extremely collaborative and multidisciplinary.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lab Duties – Basic lab duties under general supervision as well as more advanced duties under direct supervision. Performs routine technical tasks, and is expected to help with the routine processing of animal and clinical samples from research protocols.
• Assists in Developing Procedures – Assists in implementing new procedures and protocols to support experiments. Participates actively in developing, recommending and implementing new approved procedures, or modifications to existing protocols and procedures. Maintains and updates technical knowledge.
• Participates and performs other related duties as required.
• The RA will also assist in data analysis and results dissemination activities.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: This is an entry-level trainee position with no experience necessary and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Life Sciences or a related field is preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

If you are interested, please send your CV and a motivation letter to svillapol@houstonmethodist.org

Graduate and Undergraduate Students:

The Villapol Lab investigates the contribution of peripheral inflammation, sex differences, and gut microbiota to brain pathology. Our overarching research goal is to provide a sound basis for developing novel therapies for patients suffering from a brain injury while performing exploratory research in the avenue of brain trauma and stroke.

Dr. Villapol offers several formats for students to participate in her research, and she mentors a number of graduate and undergraduate students in a genuine research setting. Villapol Lab welcomes anyone who has the enthusiasm to do science, but we expect a commitment of time and energy. If you are interested in joining our team, we will encourage you to contact us via email: svillapol@houstonmethodist.org and include a CV and reasons why you are interested in joining us.