Research Fellow, Gerontology

About the role

The Ahn laboratory at Wake Forest University School of Medicine seeks a postdoctoral fellow to investigate mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle adaptation in models of aging and cancer. The fellow will lead research projects integrating cell culture, in vivo mouse models, functional phenotyping, and mechanistic bioenergetic analyses.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement interventions that modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox balance, including voluntary wheel running and ghrelin administration via osmotic pump.
• Conduct cell culture, rodent behavioral and functional assessments, including motor and cognitive testing.
• Perform mitochondrial bioenergetic assessments using Seahorse Bioscience or Oroboros O2k high resolution respirometry.
• Cookordinate redox and proteomic analyses.
• Analyze and interpret data in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant development.

Requirements

• No more than two years' experience after completing a PhD in physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cancer biology, or a related field.
• Proficiency in cell culture, mouse handling, microdissections, and molecular biology techniques (i.e., qRT-PCR, western blot and imaging).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field.

Skills

• Strong background in mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle biology.
• Experience with cell culture, mouse handling, and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to conduct functional phenotyping and mechanistic bioenergetic analyses.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

This position offers strong opportunities for first-author publications and provides structured mentorship toward competitive career development funding within a collaborative and translational research environment focused on aging and muscle biology.

Pay

$30.70 - $46.05 per hour based on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.

Schedule

Full time position with 40 hours per week.