Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology Han Lab

Title Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology Han Lab Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Biology Location Bloomington Position Summary The department of Biology is a large, unified department with strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs, and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological questions and experimental systems – from ecosystems to microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and biotechnologies. It is always an exciting time for Biology – enormous advances in global genome analysis coupled with unprecedented developments in interdisciplinary research have made the 21st century the Century of Biology. For more information about the department, you can find it here: About: Department of Biology: Indiana University Bloomington. Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information. Basic Qualifications The Han Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, Bloomington is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. Our lab focuses on studying the biology of spatial RNA localization in neurons using cell lines, Drosophila, and mice as biological systems. We develop cutting-edge tools and technologies at the interface of molecular biology, chemical biology, and CRISPR for RNA localization profiling, imaging, as well as manipulation. More about Han Lab Research can be found at our lab website. The overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on our NIH DP1 project on Interrogating RNA localization and local translation during synaptic plasticity induced by opioid use disorder. We welcome talented, creative, and highly motivated individuals who thrive in an exciting, collaborative research environment. Core job duties include: To set up and maintain the oral oxycodone self-administration mouse model. This is an established mouse model, and we need to maintain 20-30 modeled mice at a time. The candidate must have experience in mouse experiments including brain dissection, immunofluorescence imaging of mouse brain slices, and AAV injection of the mouse brain. To perform synaptosome isolation (protocol has been established) and subsequent RNA/protein analysis. A candidate with experience of RNA experiments (smFISH and RNA-seq) is preferred. To mentor graduate students and teach other lab members on mouse experiments and techniques. The candidate must show strong independent research skills (literature reading, experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting) and collaborative working style. To draft manuscripts, animal protocols, and research proposals. The candidate must be honest, responsible, and efficient in research. Education requirement: The candidate must have obtained a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field or be on track to complete the degree within the coming year. Ph.D. must be obtained before position can begin. Required skills: Mouse breeding, maintenance, and brain dissection Mouse brain slice staining and imaging AAV injection of mouse brains Preferred skills: Synaptosome preparation from mouse brains RNA purification and library prep RNA-seq data analysis Substance-use-disorder-related research experience Department Contact for Questions To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your research and educational background, your career goals, why you are interested in this position, and the date you are available to start, (2) a CV or resume including lists of publications, research experience, and skills, and (3) the names and contact info of three references. Please submit the required documents at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34774. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Mengting Han (hanmt@iu.edu) or Dr. Rongbing Huang (rohuang@iu.edu). Timing and Compensation: Review of applicants will begin December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Ideal start date is June 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for 1 year, and reappointment for up to 4 years is contingent upon satisfactory performance. Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with NIH and Indiana University postdoctoral guidelines. Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 12/01/2026 Expected Start Date 06/01/2027 Posting Number IU-101753-2026