Postdoctoral Researcher Position - Llorente Lab

Postdoctoral Researcher Position | Gut–liver axis | Llorente Lab | MASLD & ALD

The Llorente Lab within the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine at UC San Diego , is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our funded NIH research projects.

Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate intestinal homeostasis , including interactions among the intestinal epithelium, microbiome, and immune system, and how these processes influence liver disease, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), as well as substance use disorders.

Our projects investigate the gut–liver axis using preclinical animal models and patient-derived samples. We employ cutting-edge approaches, including metabolomics, metagenomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and intestinal and liver organoid cultures , to uncover mechanisms underlying disease and identify novel therapeutic strategies.

A major goal of our research is translational : to identify and develop innovative therapeutic approaches for liver disease and substance use disorders, including bacteriophage-based therapies and other microbiome-targeted interventions.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in neuroscience, gastroenterology, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, pharmacy, immunology, or another biomedical science discipline .

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with experience or strong interest in:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology and microbiome research
• Immunology
• Biomedical research
• Liver disease research
• Substance use disorders research

Experience with mouse models, nodose ganglion isolation, bacteriophage therapy, FACS/flow cytometry, single-cell multiomics, or spatial transcriptomics is advantageous.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, intellectually curious, creative, and passionate about science, with a strong record of research productivity and a desire to pursue innovative and translational research .

Application

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

• CV or resume , including contact information for 2–3 references
• Cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and motivation for joining the Llorente Lab

Please send application materials directly to Dr. Llorente at View email address on click.appcast.io .

We look forward to hearing from enthusiastic and motivated scientists interested in advancing our understanding of the gut–liver and developing new therapeutic strategies for human disease.