Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

We are looking to hire a postdoctoral scholar to study the role of microbial bile acid metabolism in host/microbiome crosstalk related to gut inflammation and GI health. This position is funded by an NIH R01 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases focused on identifying and characterizing microbial molecules. This project will focus on novel bile acids recently discovered called Microbially Conjugated Bile Acids (MCBAs). These diverse microbial molecules are produced by the human gut microbiome, but little is known about their effects on human health. Experiments will focus on understanding how MCBAs interact with human cells through cellular receptors with effects on epithelial barrier integrity and inflammatory signaling. The experiments will use both microbial and human cell culture and mouse models to identify MCBAs with the strongest bioactivity. This project provides unique opportunities to interact with other laboratories funded by the same NIH initiative to better understand how the human gut microbiome interacts with small molecules.

The work with involve culturing bacteria in an anaerobic environment to study their bile acid transformations and performing multi-omics analysis of microbial consortia. This includes mass spectrometry, microbiome sequencing and transcriptomics. Other duties will include maintenance and experimentation with knockout mouse models and analysis of data from cell culture experiments performed by collaborating labs and centers at Michigan State University.

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 -Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, related

Minimum Requirements

PhD in biochemistry, microbiology, physiology or related field.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with mass spectrometry data generation and analysis, mouse husbandry, molecular and microbiology biology techniques, and nucleic acid sequencing.

Required Application Materials

Curriculum vitae

cover letter

list of at least three references with their contact information

Special Instructions

This is a 1-year assignment initially, with renewal based on sufficient project progress and available funding.

Website

https://www.robertquinnlab.com/

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.