Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Description

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Jason Bazil in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. The primary goal of this position is to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium-induced, reactive oxygen species-sensitized mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in chronic disease and cellular injury. The selected candidate will utilize cryo-electron tomography, respirometry, spectrofluorimetry, and other biochemical approaches to characterize the structural and functional effects of calcium overload on mitochondria. For more information about the lab and our research interests, please visit https://bazillab.com/.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments related to mitochondrial structure and function.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other scholarly communications.
• Train and collaborate with students and other laboratory personnel.
• Contribute to grant proposals and research publications.
• Maintain accurate research records and comply with laboratory, university, and EHS safety requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biophysics, or a related field completed prior to the first day of employment.
• Evidence of productive scientific scholarship demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Research experience in a laboratory setting, including experience with mitochondrial physiology, bioenergetics, biochemistry, or related biomedical research.
• Experience performing experimental studies and analyzing biochemical, cellular, physiological, or mitochondrial data.
• Experience working with animal models and/or biological specimens.
• Ability to conduct independent research and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy and/or cryo-electron tomography.
• Experience with mitochondrial functional assays, including respirometry and spectrofluorimetric techniques.
• Knowledge of calcium signaling, reactive oxygen species biology, mitochondrial dysfunction, cardiac physiology, or related fields.
• Experience with enzyme kinetics and quantitative data analysis.
• Record of scientific presentations and scholarly publications.

Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
• Cover Letter

This is an off-date position funded for one year from the date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal and satisfactory performance. The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and are not compatible with remote work. The selected candidate will have extensive opportunities to publish, and access to exceptional resources to facilitate their independent research.

Review of Applications Begins On 09/04/2026

Employees may work with or near human and/or animal blood and/or tissues; live animals; bio-hazardous chemicals and materials; viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; radioactive materials; medical waste; and sharp implements.

The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

Physiology Department Mission

• Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
• Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
• Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
• Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.