Post Doctoral Fellow - CBP Del Rio Lab

Post Doctoral Fellow – CBP Del Rio Lab

University of Kansas Medical Center – Join to apply.

Department: SOM KC Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology

Position Title: Post Doctoral Fellow – CBP Del Rio Lab

Job Family Group: Professional Staff

Job Description

Summary:

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

• Neurophysiology & cardiorespiratory control
• Heart failure (HFpEF, high‑output HF), hypertension & intermittent hypoxia
• Sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) & brainstem circuit function
• Glial biology, chemo reflex pathways, and neuroinflammation
• Chemo genetics/optogenetics & 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. It offers collaborative and multidisciplinary opportunities, mentorship, and national/international presentation prospects.

Research is housed in modern laboratory space with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and builds on a long history of innovative work within the KUMC research community.

• Complete research projects under faculty mentorship.
• Record and interpret experimental results in an (electronic) laboratory notebook.
• Prepare publication‑quality manuscripts, including figures and tables, and publish in peer‑reviewed literature.
• Read and assimilate literature to develop new ideas and inform project design.
• Disseminate studies through regular interaction with the PI, faculty mentor, and lab members.
• Present research aims and findings at departmental seminars, 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 & respiratory recordings
• Chemo genetic and optogenetic approaches
• Confocal and molecular analyses (PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry)
• Rodent models of heart failure & intermittent hypoxia
• Data science & physiological signal analysis

Maintain compliance with all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department, adhere to 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 publication record and demonstrated research independence.

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

• Interpersonal skills.
• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance. Health expense accounts, employer‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, accrues upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One discretionary day is available after six months. Additional leave for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months.

A generous retirement program with employer contributions and voluntary 457 or 403(b) plans is offered.

• Employee Type: Fixed Term
• Time Type: Full time
• Rate Type: Salary
• Pay Range: $58,656.00 – $80,000.00 (Minimum: $58,656.00; Midpoint: $69,328.00; Maximum: $80,000.00)