Postdoctoral Scientist - Mohan Lab

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join our team investigating the gut-brain axis, intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation in HIV/SIV infection. This role focuses on studying epigenetic changes in discrete colon enterocyte populations and characterizing the viral reservoir in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and orally administered minor cannabinoids. This position offers the opportunity to learn and apply novel tools to study epigenetic mechanisms, utilize advanced PET/CT and MRI imaging modalities, and evaluate innovative nanodelivery vehicles for cannabinoid administration in the rhesus macaque model.

Our laboratory is pursuing several exciting research initiatives, including:

• Epigenetic Regulation of the Gut-Brain Axis: Investigating epigenetic mechanisms regulating chronic intestinal inflammation, fibrosis, dysbiosis, and subsequent neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis during HIV/SIV infection under suppressive antiretroviral therapy.
• Targeted Phytocannabinoid Nanodelivery: Developing and evaluating novel nanodelivery approaches to deliver phytocannabinoids directly to intestinal lymphoid, mesenteric adipose, and neuro-mucosal tissues, aiming to achieve more effective suppression of both intestinal and central nervous system inflammation.
• Advanced In Vivo Neuro-Mucosal Imaging: Leveraging PET/CT and MRI modalities to visually track, quantify, and map changes in gastrointestinal and brain tissue inflammation, viral replication kinetics, and anatomical alterations across the gut-brain axis in vivo.

THE ROLE:

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular and cellular biology experiments.
• Perform and troubleshoot a broad range of laboratory techniques, including:
  • Tissue and cell isolation
  • DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR
  • Molecular cloning
  • Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq/ATAC-seq
  • Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
  • Luciferase reporter assays
  • Multi-color flow cytometry
  • Insitu hybridization and immunofluorescence
  • Bioinformatic and statistical data analysis
• Analyze, interpret, and present research findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance translational neuroscience research.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

The successful candidate will possess:

• A PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, virology, immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in gastrointestinal dysfunction research, preferably focusing on microbiome dysbiosis, enteric nervous system pathology, and the gut-brain, gut-liver, and mesenteric adipose tissue axes.
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology and cell/organoid culture techniques.
• Experience with technologies such as MRI, PET/CT or related imaging modalities (data acquisition and/or analysis) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, and communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to contribute innovative ideas to guide research projects are highly desirable. 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU: 

• Enjoy an employee-centered culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, and trust. We believe in working hard and having fun, offering 100+ culture events each year to bring our team together and keep the energy strong!
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family—including pet insurance options.
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (from the last week of December through New Year’s).
• Paid time off for short-term illness and mental wellness, helping you take the time you need when life happens.
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage giving back to the community.
• Paid parental leave to support you and your growing family.
• Flexible work arrangements that support a strong work-life balance.
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and prescription support programs designed to make care more accessible and affordable.
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs to help you stay active and healthy.
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