Postdoctoral Scientist - Mohan Lab

Texas Biomedical Research Institute • San Antonio, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Excellent analytical, and communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with technologies such as MRI, PET/CT or related imaging modalities (data acquisition and/or analysis) is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to contribute innovative ideas to guide research projects are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family
• 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
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible work arrangements
• On-site medical clinic
• Wellness incentives
• Prescription support programs
• On-site fitness center
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Mentorship
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leadership programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree