Post-Doctoral Fellow - Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Institution:
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – School of Medicine

Department:
Microbiology and Immunology

Location:

Richmond, VA

Type:
Full-Time, Onsite

Salary:
Starting at $62,232 per year

Hours per Week: 40

FLSA Status:
Exempt

ORP Eligible:
Yes

Posting Date:
November 5, 2025

VCU is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the gut‑liver‑brain axis in liver diseases, including MASLD/MASH, alcohol‑associated liver disease (ALD), and cholestatic liver disease, and their impact on neurobehavioral function. The role involves contributing to NIH‑funded projects to elucidate how gut microbiome‑derived metabolites, bile acids, and sphingolipids influence hepatic and neural signaling pathways.

• Develop and utilize animal models of liver diseases to study gut‑liver‑brain interactions.
• Conduct behavioral and cognitive tests (e.g., open field, Y‑maze, novel object recognition).
• Perform liver function assays and biochemical profiling (LC‑MS/MS).
• Conduct histological and immunohistochemical analyses of liver and brain tissues.
• Apply molecular and cellular assays (qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence).
• Integrate multi‑omics data (transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and present findings in publications and meetings.
• Mentor students and contribute to grant and manuscript preparation.

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in animal models of liver diseases and brain dysfunction.
• Strong background in hepatic primary cell isolation, molecular biology, and biochemical assays.
• Hands‑on experience with liver and brain histology, imaging, and quantitative analysis.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments.

• Experience in biomarker discovery and translational research.
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis of RNA‑seq, metabolomics, or lipidomic datasets.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical platforms (LC‑MS, HPLC, or other quantitative assays).
• Knowledge of gut microbiome analysis or neuroinflammation pathways.

• Employment Duration:
  Restricted position; continued employment depends on project need, funding availability, and performance.
• Flexible Work Arrangement:
  Fully Onsite.
• VCU is committed to hiring veterans and values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive package for eligible employees including medical, dental, retirement, leave programs, and educational benefits.

Contact:
SOMHR