Postdoctoral - Neurological Surgery (Naikui Liu Lab)

We seek a full-time postdoctoral fellow to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of spinal-cord injury and to develop therapeutic strategies that promote neurological recovery. The position is based in the Naikui Liu Lab at the IU School of Medicine in Indianapolis, a city with a strong life-sciences sector, top-ranked universities, and a high quality of life.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze experiments related to spinal-cord injury and neurological recovery.
• Perform in-vivo spinal-cord injury animal models and conduct behavioral assessments to evaluate injury and functional outcomes.
• Perform molecular, cellular, and histological studies (cell culture, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemical staining, microscopy, etc.).
• Collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and document research data using rigorous and reproducible practices.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of potential therapeutic strategies for spinal-cord injury.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, collaborative research activities, and discussions related to ongoing projects.
• Assist with the development of new research directions and, as appropriate, contribute to grant-related scientific activities.
• Work collaboratively with the principal investigator, research staff, trainees, and external collaborators while maintaining compliance with institutional research and laboratory requirements.
• Mentor or train students and junior laboratory personnel as appropriate to the research program.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, neurobiology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience with behavioral assessments, molecular/cellular biology techniques, Western blotting, tissue sectioning, histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and scientific writing skills; ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interest in spinal-cord injury, neural repair, neuroinflammation, or related areas of neuroscience.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with animal models and/or cell culture.
• Experience with spinal-cord injury (SCI) surgery in animal models.

To be considered, candidates must already possess and maintain valid U.S. work authorization without employer sponsorship. Verification of credentials will be required before final administrative approval.