Post-Doctoral Researcher

Job Title Postdoctoral research fellow in gut organoid physiology and IBD pathophysiology Principal Investigator Declan McCole, PhD, AGAF Laboratory Description The McCole laboratory at University of California Riverside focuses on investigating the effects of inflammation on intestinal epithelial barrier function using electrophysiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging. The lab studies regulatory mechanisms of epithelial barrier and tight junctions in vitro and in vivo, examines the role of the IBD risk gene PTPN2 in host–microbiome interactions, and translates findings to human disease through functional studies of intestinal biopsies, omics analyses of IBD patient samples, and mouse and human organoid models. Projects receive support from NIH and industry grants. Job Description The successful candidate will lead independent projects, collaborating with external partners, to develop inducible pluripotent stem cell–derived intestinal organoids for functional studies of epithelial barrier and antimicrobial functions. Responsibilities include utilizing the Emulate gut-on-chip system to investigate epithelial differentiation, epithelial‑immune cell interactions, and responses to inflammatory cytokines or bacterial challenge, as well as integrating data with genotyped IBD patient databases for bioinformatics training and disease‑relevant applications. Candidates are encouraged to build an independent research program and pursue independent grant funding. Responsibilities Design and implement research studies Collect and analyze data; perform quality control, interpret, and summarize results Master prior literature and contextualize findings; publish results in peer‑reviewed journals Collaborate with other researchers in the lab and at other institutions to improve research efficiency Qualifications PhD or PhD/MD in cell biology, physiology, immunology, or related fields Substantial expertise in intestinal epithelial cell culture, with a preference for experience in human organoid/enteroid culture Experience with gut‑on‑chip model systems is advantageous but not required Proficiency in fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, qPCR/Western blotting, and flow cytometry Self‑motivated and highly dedicated Effective written and oral communication skills, with evidence of high‑quality first‑author publications Salary Information Salary will be based on University of California guidelines for postdoctoral scholars and is commensurate with experience. This position is fully funded by NIH grants. The salary range for this position is $64,480 – $77,327, commensurate with level of experience. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California Riverside School of Medicine