Postdoctoral In Reinforcement Learning Jobs in Virginia

Postdoctoral Associate (Buczynski Lab)
Job no: 535789
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Science
Department: School of Neuroscience
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific
Job Description
The Gregus/Buczynski Lab is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an extramurally funded, highly collaborative research program focused on developing new, mechanistically driven treatments for chronic pain and alcohol use disorder - two major unmet clinical needs.
Our lab integrates behavioral pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, cell based assays, and mass spectrometry to address clinically relevant questions with clear translational potential. Postdoctoral fellows receive hands on training across experimental design, data analysis, and advanced methodologies, while building a professional profile positioned for success in academia, biotech, or pharmaceutical science.
Why work in the Gregus/Buczynski Lab?
work in the Gregus/Buczynski Lab?
• Strong funding & project ownership: Work on funded projects with room to develop
independent ideas and lead publications
• Career focused mentorship: Structured mentorship tailored to your goals (academic
faculty, industry scientist, or hybrid paths)
• Translational science with real-world impact: Research directly relevant to therapeutic
development
• Outstanding collaborative network: Active collaborations with Scripps Research, Mayo
Clinic, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, industry partners, and
multiple Virginia Tech departments
What you'll do:
• Design, execute, and analyze in vivo and in vitro experiments
• Interpret data and present findings in lab meetings, conferences, and publications
• Collaborate at the interface of academia and industry
• Contribute to grant proposals and co author manuscripts
• Mentor junior trainees as desired, building leadership experience
Mentorship & lab culture
Our lab is team oriented, supportive, collegial, and inclusive. We believe strong science comes from people who feel respected, supported, and excited about their work. Regular availability for individual meetings, collaborative troubleshooting, and transparent expectations are core to our mentoring style. Training plans are customized to your career goals and evolve as you grow.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in neuroscience, pharmacology, or a closely related discipline
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and/or rodent behavioral models
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage experiments independently
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Research background in pain, addiction, or related neuropsychiatric disorders
• Experience with mass spectrometry or bioanalytical techniques
• Experience with mouse surgical procedures or in vivo pharmacology
• Prior experience contributing to manuscripts, abstracts, or conference presentations
• Experience in all techniques used in the lab is not required as we value strong scientific
thinking, work ethic, and enthusiasm for learning as much as prior technical expertise.
Note: Candidates with complementary training backgrounds are encouraged to apply if they bring strong motivation to learn new techniques.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40 hours - exempt position
Review Date
3/31/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Langowsky at nlangow3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: March 11, 2026
Applications close:
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