Job Overview

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the UC College of Medicine has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improves the health and clinical care of patients.

Two Post Doctoral Fellow positions are available immediately in the laboratory of Karthick Chella Krishnan (www.med.uc.edu/klab) in the department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, division of Cardiometabolic Pharmacology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

The K Lab conducts mechanistic research at the intersection of mitochondrial biology, metabolism, genetics, and sex differences, with projects spanning the liver, adipose tissue, heart, and hippocampus. Our research focuses on how mitochondrial adaptation and dysfunction are shaped by genetic background and sex, and how these changes contribute to cardiometabolic diseases. Current areas of investigation include mitochondrial subpopulations, sex-dependent metabolic regulation, genetic determinants of mitochondrial function, and organ-to-organ communication. The successful candidate will lead a mechanistically focused research project investigating how mitochondrial biology contributes to disease susceptibility and progression. The position is available for at least 2 years (up to a total maximum of five years), with annual renewal based on satisfactory progress, scientific productivity, and funding availability. The position is a temporary appointment as a research trainee.

We are seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious, and scientifically rigorous individual who takes ownership of their research from hypothesis development and experimental design through data generation, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation. The successful candidate should be capable of working independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative laboratory environment. Strong communication, organization, documentation, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills are essential. We value researchers who think mechanistically, critically evaluate their data, maintain high standards of experimental rigor and reproducibility, and contribute actively to the scientific direction of their projects.

Essential Functions

• Design and perform mechanistic studies of mitochondrial function using isolated mitochondria, primary or immortalized cells, and/or mouse models, with approaches including extracellular flux analysis and molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays.
• Independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments; coordinate animal studies when applicable; generate high-quality datasets; and perform rigorous quantitative analysis and interpretation.
• Develop scientific hypotheses from experimental findings, prepare manuscripts and presentations, and present research at national and international scientific meetings.
• Contribute to grant development, including generation of preliminary data, preparation of figures and supporting materials, and development of research ideas. Participate actively in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and other scientific activities.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students in experimental approaches, data analysis, and scientific reasoning as appropriate.
• Maintain thorough and reproducible experimental records and data organization, follow laboratory protocols and standards, and engage in professional development opportunities.
• Take an active role in career development and seek scientific and professional guidance from the faculty supervisor and other faculty members.
• Stay current with developments in mitochondrial biology, metabolism, genetics, and related fields and incorporate relevant advances into ongoing research.
• Conduct research experiments in a particular field within the pre-determined research scope and methodology.
• Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
• Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
• Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
• Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies, as needed.
• May train techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree.
• PhD degree in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or similar discipline. Candidates who have recently completed their PhD or are within 12 months of completing their degree are encouraged to apply.

Required Experience

• In-depth knowledge of specialized fields, process or discipline
• May require experience with specialized software programs
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: mitochondrial biology, metabolism, liver biology, cardiovascular biology, animal models of metabolic disease, molecular/cellular biology, or related areas.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Experience with extracellular flux analysis (e.g., Seahorse), mitochondrial respiration, metabolic assays, mouse models, molecular biology, microscopy, or quantitative data analysis.

Application Process Information

A short statement of research interest, complete CV, and contact information for three references.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment