This funding opportunity is for a Postdoctoral Fellow position within the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Augusta University. This role is a full-time, academic fellowship designed for advanced independent research. The position offers a salary commensurate with education and experience and has a closing date of June 24, 2026.

About Augusta University and the Department

Augusta University serves as Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training future leaders across multiple campuses. The institution emphasizes real-world experiences, community engagement, and building partnerships across health, security, and economic sectors. The department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, established in 1943, has a rich history, initially focusing on remedies and poisons, and now encompassing areas like computer-assisted drug design and novel drug-delivery vehicles.

The department's research programs have a strong focus on cardiovascular and neuroscience studies. A notable historical achievement was the discovery of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes by Raymond P. Ahlquist, which directly contributed to the development of drugs for treating heart disease and hypertension. This background underscores the department's commitment to foundational biomedical research.

Job Responsibilities and Research Focus

The core function of this role involves carrying out advanced independent research to meet project objectives while maintaining methodological consistency. Fellows will be expected to participate actively in data collection and analysis, as well as developing and evaluating new research techniques. A key specific contribution involves supporting ongoing NIH-funded projects investigating the mechanisms of interactions between HIV-1 Tat protein with cocaine/monoamine transporters or methamphetamine and vesicular monoamine transporter.

Responsibilities are broad, requiring participation in project planning, analyzing experimental results using both manual and computer techniques, and mastering various procedures. Furthermore, the fellow will be expected to present findings at scientific meetings and compose articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Supervision and mentorship of junior personnel are also integral parts of this role.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

The minimum requirement for this position is a Ph.D. or equivalent from an accredited college or university. While a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, neuropharmacology, or behavior pharmacology is preferred, the role values specific technical expertise. Candidates with experience in cell culture, Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), or rodent behavior testing are highly desirable.

Strong analytical and statistical skills, coupled with expertise in neuropharmacology or neuroscience gained during doctoral studies, are crucial. Knowledge of the regulation of monoamine transporters is particularly encouraged for applicants. Beyond technical skills, candidates must possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, alongside the ability to work independently.

Logistical Details and Employment Conditions

This is a full-time, postdoc fellowship position located at Augusta University, with work scheduled for days, Monday through Friday, though work outside normal hours may be required. The salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications within the established range. It is important to note that continued employment is contingent upon the availability of external funding for the project.

Selected candidates must successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting. The university also requires adherence to strict confidentiality and privacy policies regarding sensitive information. Benefits available to full-time, eligible employees may include health and dental insurance, life insurance, and paid time off, with potential eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program after six months of successful employment.