Post-Doctoral Fellow - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Position Summary

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VCU is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the gut-liver-brain axis in liver diseases, including MASLD/MASH, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and cholestatic liver disease, and their impact on neurobehavioral function.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize animal models of liver diseases to study gut-liver-brain interactions.
• Conduct behavioral and cognitive tests (e.g., open field, Y-maze, novel object recognition).
• Perform liver function assays and biochemical profiling (LC-MS/MS).
• Conduct histological and immunohistochemical analyses of liver and brain tissues.
• Apply molecular and cellular assays (qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence).
• Integrate multi-omics data (transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present findings in publications and meetings.
• Mentor students and contribute to grant and manuscript preparation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in animal models of liver diseases and brain dysfunction.
• Strong background in hepatic primary cell isolation, molecular biology, and biochemical assays.
• Hands-on experience with liver and brain histology, imaging, and quantitative analysis.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biomarker discovery and translational research.
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq, metabolomics, or lipidomic datasets.
• Hands-on experience with analytical platforms (LC-MS, HPLC, or other quantitative assays).
• Knowledge of gut microbiome analysis or neuroinflammation pathways.

Additional Information

• Employment Duration: Restricted position; continued employment depends on project need, funding availability, and performance.
• Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite
• VCU is committed to hiring veterans and values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Benefits: Comprehensive package for eligible employees including medical, dental, retirement, leave programs, and educational benefits.

Contact

SOMHR@vcuhealth.org