Post Doc Fellow - Internal Medicine (Pulmonary)

Department:

SOM KC Internal Medicine - Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

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Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Position Title:

Post Doc Fellow - Internal Medicine (Pulmonary)

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Rene Cortese’s Lab in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center is focused on unraveling the epigenetic mechanisms involved in vascular dysfunction associated with cardiopulmonary complications, with a current emphasis on understanding how Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) contributes to vascular senescence and pulmonary vascular remodeling.
This translational research program utilizes a combination of epigenomic, genomic, proteomic, imaging, and physiological techniques in both in vitro and in vivo systems. The lab is particularly interested in how epigenetic alterations influence disease progression in pulmonary and vascular tissues and seeks to identify molecular targets for potential therapeutic intervention.

Job Description:

Job Duties Outlined:

Research Overview:
Design and conduct experiments and interpret data under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator (PI).

• Lead and execute innovative research projects focused on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction in cardiopulmonary disease, with an emphasis on OSA-induced vascular senescence.

• Independently design, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced molecular and cellular biology experiments.

• Perform RNA/DNA isolation from cells, tissues, and biofluids; conduct real-time and endpoint PCR; and carry out protein-based assays.

• Execute immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in-situ hybridization, and histological analyses.

• Maintain and utilize primary and immortalized cell cultures under sterile conditions.

• Perform imaging using light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy.

Expectations:
The Postdoc will be expected to complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an (electronic) laboratory notebook, prepare publication-quality manuscripts (including figures and tables), and publish in peer-reviewed literature.

• Utilize and manage in vivo models to investigate molecular and physiological mechanisms of OSA and cardiovascular dysfunction.

• Conduct animal procedures, tissue harvesting, histological preparations, and specialized physiological measurements.

• Apply advanced techniques such as echocardiography, catheterization, and myography (as experience permits).

• Analyze and interpret complex datasets using appropriate statistical and computational tools.

• Organize, synthesize, and translate experimental findings into meaningful conclusions aligned with the lab’s research objectives.

• Draft high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and contribute to grant applications.

• Prepare and deliver presentations at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences.

• Collaborate with clinical coordinators, basic science investigators, and core facility staff to advance multidisciplinary research projects.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to graduate students, research assistants, and junior lab members.

• Support team members with troubleshooting and experimental design recommendations.

• Assist in the preparation of research proposals, including literature reviews, preliminary data figures, and methodological sections.

• Contribute to the strategic planning of future research directions based on current findings.

Compliance:
Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

• Ensure compliance with biosafety, BSL-2 pathogen handling, and institutional safety protocols.

• Maintain rigorous and accurate documentation of all experiments, datasets, and protocols in compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.