Postdoctoral Fellow - Wen-Xing Ding Lab

About the role

The Wen-Xing Ding Lab at the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics at the University of Kansas Medical Center is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to spearhead studies on mitochondria dynamics and mtDNA-mediated innate immune response in chronic liver diseases, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.

Responsibilities

• Participate in regular communication with the PI and colleagues via both group laboratory and one-on-one meetings.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized research records to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
• Spearhead the creative design, execution, and analysis of complementary in vitro experiments using mouse and human cells/tissues within a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Lead cause-effect experiments using mouse models within a team setting to define the in vivo impacts of mitochondria dynamics in liver biology.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data for planning of future experiments, resultant publications, and grant applications.
• Work directly with the PI to prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals based on experimental results, as well as to write reviews on related topics.
• Work directly with the PI to prepare grant applications in support of both individual career development and team laboratory funding.
• Disseminate results by presenting to both the scientific and general audiences from local to international forums.
• Co-mentor junior trainees in the research laboratory.
• Lead aspects of routine laboratory and animal model maintenance, including coordinating day-to-day management of laboratory operations, such as upholding personnel safety protocols, overseeing equipment and supply logistics, coordinating ongoing research initiatives, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Education: PhD or MD in biomedical sciences and liver research.
• Work Experience: Research experience in a wet bench laboratory, mentorship experience of junior technicians and trainees within a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Toxicology preferred.
• Work Experience: Technical background experience in molecular biology, cellular imaging and animal experimentation in liver diseases, experience in bioinformatics.

Skills

• Expertise in mitochondria and liver biology.
• Experience in animal research (genetic animal mouse breeding, alcohol and high-fat diet feeding, IV and IP injection, oral gavage, tissue harvesting and cellular organelle isolation).
• Ability to perform biochemical and histological analysis.
• Knowledge of omics data analysis.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance, health expense accounts, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, various additional voluntary insurance plans, paid time off, retirement programs, and more.