Position Description: Lab of nutrient sensing in metabolic diseases aims to understand how lipid metabolite ceramides: impair nutrient sensing in adipose tissue and contribute to development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases etc. (Chaurasia et 2016, Cell Metabolism and Chaurasia et 2019, Science). Using genetic and pharmacological tools to modulate ceramide accumulation in vivo combined with unbiased approaches we have identified downstream effector molecules of ceramide, that bestows ceramides some of these functions. We are currently seeking a postdoctoral candidate with a background in biomedical sciences to investigate the role of these newly identified proteins in development of metabolic diseases. Successful applicants will be generously offered with NIH guideline-based salary and benefits and will be part of young diabetes research community at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and affiliated Fraternal order of diabetes research institute. In addition to existing projects in the lab, he/she will be provided with sufficient support and freedom to ask new important questions and independently develop innovative research in the general context of laboratory interest.

Education Requirement: A recent PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree (within 0-3 years or expect to receive the degree within a year) in physiology, biochemistry or related biomedical disciplines

Required Qualifications:

- First-authored publication(s) from their graduate work is expected.
- A strong research background in cell/molecular biology and biochemistry.
- Previous experience with mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry is desirable.
- A strong background in mouse genetics and phenotyping mouse models related to development if obesity and associated metabolic diseases.
- Obtaining and analyzing datasets from Next-generation Sequencing experiments (Sc-RNAseq, Chip-Seq etc)
- Experience and / or interest big data analysis and scripting languages (R, Python) to analyse – OMICS datasets will be desirable.
- An open and positive mind that actively contributes to the infrastructure and the success of the newly established research team and the department at large.
- Formulate research questions, design and conduct experiments, and organize and analyze data
- Communicate scientific data through manuscript writing and presentations to the scientific community at large.
- Prepare research proposals, good collaborative skills and candidates must be self-motivated, proactive and enthusiastic to their career development

Contact: Bhagirath Chaurasia, PhD
Assistant Professor
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine
Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center
University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine
Email:Bhagirath-chaurasia@uiowa.edu