Postdoctoral Associate

Summary

One postdoctoral fellow position is available in Dr. Yi Zhu’s lab at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center. The lab utilizes integrated biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, imaging, and rodent physiology techniques to study the gap-junction-dependent and -independent functions of Connexin43 in the adipose tissue, liver, and brain and how they crosstalk with each other in the context of systemic metabolism. The lab also studies hyaluronan synthesis and degradation in metabolism and inflammation.

The ultimate goal in Dr. Yi Zhu's laboratory is to understand the basic biology of metabolic organs in an effort to develop new concepts and biologics to treat diseases related to over-nutrition. The candidate is expected to expand our research program to utilize surface proteomics to understand cell surface protein composition changes in different cell types under various metabolic conditions in mice. The candidate is also free to develop his/her project in consultation with the principal investigator. The candidate should have a strong background in molecular biology and biochemistry.

Required Documents:

• Unofficial transcript from college and graduate school.
• A short introductory letter (up to two pages) describing your background, research interests, motivations for applying for this position.
• Contact information of 3 referees (one of which shall be the doctoral degree mentor).

Job Duties

• Carries out cell culture and routine molecular biology procedures such as DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining.
• Conducts literature searches and develops new biochemical assays in the lab.
• Carries out animal studies.
• Collects, compiles, analyzes data, documents, and interprets the results of experiments and report to the principal investigator.
• Composes and publishes manuscripts and present scientific discoveries at internal or national meetings.
• Applies for extramural postdoctoral fellow funding.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate should be a recent graduate with a degree in one or more of the following areas: biochemistry, molecular biology.
• Motivated to pursue a career in science, team-oriented, proactive, dedicated, and honest.