Post Doctoral Fellow - CBP Del Rio Lab

Post Doctoral Fellow – CBP Del Rio Lab

SOM KC Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology – Del Rio Lab

Post Doctoral Fellow – CBP Del Rio Lab

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct research investigating the neural mechanisms driving autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory dysfunction in cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The research integrates:

• Neurophysiology and cardiorespiratory control
• Heart failure (HFpEF, high‑output HF), hypertension and intermittent hypoxia
• Sympathetic nerve activity and brainstem circuit function
• Glial biology, chemo reflex pathways and neuroinflammation
• Chemo genetics/optogenetics and in vivo physiology
• Multi‑organ autonomic systems and translational models

The position involves both basic and translational research under the direction of a Principal Investigator. This is a highly collaborative position with opportunities for multidisciplinary work, mentorship, and national/international presentations. Our group has led fundamental discoveries linking brainstem neuronal and astroglia dysfunction to autonomic imbalance, breathing irregularity, and cardiorespiratory failure. The research is housed in modern laboratory space with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and will build on a long history of innovative service to the KUMC research community.

The Postdoc will be expected to complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an electronic laboratory notebook, prepare publication‑quality manuscripts (including figures and tables) and publish in peer‑reviewed literature.

• Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into project design and interpretation.
• Disseminate studies by interacting on a regular basis with the PI, faculty mentor, and laboratory members to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Present research aims and findings at department seminars and at local and national scientific meetings. Write and publish results as first author in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.
• Lead mechanistic studies examining how brainstem circuits and peripheral chemo receptors contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory dysregulation in heart failure and metabolic disease.

• In vivo autonomic and respiratory recordings
• Chemo genetic and optogenetic approaches
• Confocal and molecular analyses (PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry)
• Rodent models of heart failure and intermittent hypoxia
• Data science and physiological signal analysis

Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

Education
:
Ph.D. in Physiology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

Work Experience

• Experience with in vivo physiology, autonomic/respiratory control, or cardiovascular research
• Experience with a publication record and demonstrated research independence

Work Experience

• Experience with rodent models of cardiovascular or respiratory disease
• Experience with chemo genetic or optogenetic techniques
• Experience with neuroanatomy and brainstem physiology
• Experience with autonomic nerve recordings or plethysmography
• Experience with bioinformatics or advanced signal analysis

Skills

• Interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal communication skills

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for…