UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Department of Pharmacology and Immunology

Job Description Summary The Zhang Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is dedicated to investigating the role of the enteric nervous system in social behavior, infection, and inflammation. Our ongoing projects leverage multiple conditional knockout mouse strains to study how specific enteric neuronal circuits regulate immune and epithelial cell function. Additionally, we utilize germ‑free mouse model to explore the influence of commensal microbiota on enteric neuron development, and to elucidate the mechanisms through which enteric neurons detect and respond to pathogens. Our studies employ cutting‑edge techniques, including in situ transcriptomics, single‑cell/nucleus RNA‑seq, whole‑mount microscopy, and flow cytometry to investigate the function of enteric neurons in health and disease. Our long‑term goal is to develop novel therapeutics targeting intestinal diseases. We are seeking creative candidates with a strong background in immunology and experience working with animal models. Applicants should have recently completed a Ph.D. in immunology, neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields. Prior experience with transgenic mouse models of infection or inflammatory bowel disease is highly preferred. Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Job Description 30% - Experimental Design and Implementation: Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to design and execute experiments for independent research projects. This includes developing experimental protocols, designing new assays and models, troubleshooting technical challenges, analyzing and interpreting data, and incorporating findings into research publications and grant proposals. 30% - Animal Research and Procedures: Conduct routine animal experiments, which involve handling transgenic mice, administering oral and intraperitoneal injections, and performing general rodent procedures. 25% - Advanced Assays and Techniques: Perform specialized assays and techniques, including RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy. 10% - Training and Supervision: Assist the Principal Investigator in training and supervising graduate students, technicians, research assistants, and junior lab members. 5% - Professional Development and Communication: Engage in seminars and career development activities both locally and nationally, submit abstracts, present research findings at conferences, and, if applicable, contribute to writing postdoctoral fellowship applications and grant proposals. Additional Job Description Physical Requirements: Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us! Equal Opportunity Employer The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the e-verify program, please click here: Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills. There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location. MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet designated hospitals in South Carolina. #J-18808-Ljbffr Medical University of South Carolina