Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate the biological functions of microbially conjugated bile acids in mouse models and human disease. The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary studies integrating microbiology, metabolism, immunology, and translational research to define how host–microbe interactions shape bile acid signaling and physiology. The project will involve animal models, molecular and cellular biology, microbiome analysis, transcriptomics, and human clinical samples within a collaborative and well-supported research environment. Candidates with strong quantitative, experimental, and communication skills are encouraged to apply.

Description of work/duties:

The Postdoctoral Scholar will design and execute experiments focused on the role of microbiome-derived bile acid metabolites in host physiology and disease. Primary responsibilities will include performing and analyzing mouse studies, microbiome manipulation experiments, tissue collection, and metabolic phenotyping. The candidate will conduct microbiome, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses using sequencing- and mass spectrometry–based approaches, integrate multi-omic datasets, and collaborate on studies involving human clinical samples. Additional duties include molecular biology and cell culture experiments, bioinformatic and statistical analysis, data visualization, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at scientific meetings. The successful candidate is expected to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and highly interactive research environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Microbiology, immunology, biochemistry or related field

Minimum Requirements

PhD in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics or related field.

Applicants should have experience with mouse models, microbiome research, and molecular or cellular biology techniques. 

Strong written and verbal communication skills, publication record, and the ability to work independently in a collaborative research environment are expected.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with transcriptomics, metabolomics, next-generation sequencing analysis, and computational or statistical analysis of multi-omic datasets is strongly preferred.

Candidates with expertise mouse work, mass spectrometry–based metabolomics, microbial culture, or host–microbe interaction studies are especially encouraged to apply. 

Required Application Materials

Curriculum vitae, cover letter describing interest in the position, and list of at least three professional references.

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.