Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Gulbransen laboratory in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University is recruiting a postdoctoral research associate for a project that aims to investigate how enteric glia modulate enteric neurocircuits in health and disease.

The Gulbransen lab uses advanced cellular imaging and genetic approaches to study the roles of glia in the digestive tract in health and disease. Major techniques used in these studies include network- and cellular-level calcium imaging with GCaMPs, selective cell stimulation using chemogenetics, RNA sequencing, GI disease models, and physiological assays of gut function. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn a wide spectrum of laboratory techniques and will have access to state-of-the-art technology that will lead to independent research projects in this area. The group is well funded and ongoing projects include studies that focus on how enteric glia regulate intestinal motor functions and how enteric glia regulate visceral pain.

The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Conduct experiments
• Collect and analyze data
• Give research presentations
• Write scholarly papers, provide progress reports
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab

There will also be opportunities to participate in professional development programs and to write and submit grants and career development awards.

This is an off-date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal. The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work.

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

Doctorate -Enteric neurobiology, glial biology, neurogastroenterology

Minimum Requirements

Qualified candidates must have a PhD degree and the following attributes:

• A proven track record of research experience in neuroscience and/or intercellular communication
• A publication record that includes primary research articles and at least one lead-author publication
• Good communication skills (written/spoken English)
• An excellent academic record
• Possess a keen desire to learn

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience with cellular imaging, RNA sequencing, or glial biology are all desirable qualities.

Required Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
• Cover Letter

Special Instructions

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities contact form here: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/form/contact. Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/25/2025

Summary of Health Risks

Employees may work with or near human and/or animal blood and/or tissues; live animals; bio-hazardous chemicals and materials; viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; radioactive materials; medical waste; and sharp implements.

Website

https://physiology.natsci.msu.edu/#:~:te

Department Statement

The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

The Physiology Department Mission:

• Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
• Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
• Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
• Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.

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.