Job Description
Department: SOM KC Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
Del Rio Lab
Position Title: Post Doctoral Fellow - CBP Del Rio Lab
Job Family Group: Professional Staff
Job Description Summary: The Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, will conduct research investigating the neural mechanisms driving autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory dysfunction in cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The research integrates:
• Neurophysiology & cardiorespiratory control
• Heart failure (HFpEF, high-output HF), hypertension & intermittent hypoxia
• Sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) & brainstem circuit function
• Glial biology, chemoreflex pathways, and neuroinflammation
• Chemogenetics/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. 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.
Job Description: Key Roles and Responsibilities Expectations: 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 his/her project design/interpretation.
- Dissemination of studies: Interact on a regular basis with their PI, faculty mentor and members of the laboratory 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 their results as first author in
- abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.
- Lead mechanistic studies examining how brainstem circuits and peripheral
- chemoreceptors contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory dysregulation in heart failure and metabolic disease.
Employ cutting-edge tools including:
- In vivo autonomic & respiratory recordings
- Chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches
- Confocal and molecular analyses (PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry)
- Rodent models of heart failure & intermittent hypoxia
- Data science & physiological signal analysis
Compliance: 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.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Qualifications Education: Ph.D. in Physiology, Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Sciences, Biomedical
S ciences, or related field.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs
that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Work Experience: - Experience with in vivo physiology, autonomic/respiratory control, or cardiovascular research
- Experience with publication record and demonstrated research independence
Preferred Qualifications Work Experience: - Experience with rodent models of cardiovascular or respiratory disease
- Experience with Chemogenetic/optogenetic techniques
- Experience with Neuroanatomy & brainstem physiology
- Experience with Autonomic nerve recordings or plethysmography
- Experience with Bioinformatics or advanced signal analysis
Skills - Interpersonal skills
- Written and Verbal communication skills
Required Documents: Comprehensive Benefits Package: 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 bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available.
Employee Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type: Full time
Rate Type: Salary
Compensation Statement: The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.
Pay Range: $58,656.00 - $80,000.00
Minimum $58,656.00
Midpoint $69,328.00
Maximum $80,000.00
Job Tags
Full time, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Term time, Local area