Postdoctoral Associate- Aging and Microbiome

We are looking for an ambitious and career-focused postdoc interested in advancing our knowledge how short telomeres cause aging and disease. The ideal candidate would be open to using in vivo (mouse and rat) as well as diverse in vitro models ( human, mouse and rat intestinal and lung organoids) approaches to dissect the mechanisms by which short telomeres cause organ failure and disease. We are particularly interested in how telomere shortening affects the immune system and drives intestinal inflammation . In the intestine, the candidate will also expected to look at the contribution of the microbiome to short telomere-induced intestinal and peripheral disease such as in the brain.

Job Duties

• Designs and carries out studies in mice, rats and cell models.
• Analyzes and puts into presentable format using common analytical tools such as excel, image J.
• Helps writing manuscripts and grants.
• Helps with carrying out other studies if needed and assigned.
• Works with mice and rats.
• Cultures cells.
• Isolates and analyzes DNA, RNA and protein.
• Learns to work with bacteria.
• Carrie out mouse studies, including analyzing tissues at the RNA (single cell RNAseq, RT-qPCR), protein (IHC, western blot, proteomics) and structural (electron and scanning microscopy) level.
• Characterizes the role of the microbiom and specific microbes such as L. reuteri in causing brain disorders.
• Collects and documents data for presentations and publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• The qualifications that are required are a Ph.D. or M.D. with sufficient experience in basic science.
• The ideal candidate would be familiar or acquire the knowledge to work with the microbiome and intestinal model systems such as mice and organoids. Motivated candidates without prior experience in these areas, but strong motivation to learn will be considered.
• Knowledge of common molecular techniques is required.
• A proof of excellence through publications in peer-reviewed journals is important.
• The candidate should be proficient in spoken and written English.
• The ideal candidate should be curious, self-motivated, and interested in working together with other lab members. Collegiality, respect, and social skills are essential for this position.
• This position will provide a supportive and highly innovative scientific environment and offer the candidate an excellent opportunity to contribute to a novel and exciting field.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.