Postdoc position in immunology for microbiome-gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders
PI: Ai-Ling Lin, PhD
The Lin Brain Lab at the University of Missouri (MU) has a focus on understanding the microbiome-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. We also focus on developing effective nutritional and pharmacological interventions to mitigate risk for those neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals. Our research involves both animal works and clinical applications, to translate our findings from the bench to the bed side.
We apply wide range of technology in our research, including shotgun metagenomics sequencing, metabolomics, artificial intelligence, and prebiotics/probiotics manufactures. We also use neuroimaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), to understand the impact of microbiome changes on brain structural, vascular, and metabolic functions. We are extending our understanding of immune responses to gut dysbiosis in neurological diseases and the potential changes with interventions.
We seek a postdoctoral candidate who has expertise in immunology and is versed with technology for inflammatory marker measurements, especially for neuroinflammation. The work will take place at the newly built, state-of-the-art NextGen Precision Health Building of the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. MU has strong programs and resources support in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI), and the state-of-the-art facility in the Metagenomics Center, Metabolomics Center, Food Engineering Unit, and translational MRI and PET imaging center. MU is a very collaborative environment; the candidate will have ample opportunities to work with faculty and students across different departments and units, including MMI, Radiology and Biological Sciences. The candidate will also have opportunity to learn new technology outside his/her field (e.g., MRI and PET imaging processing), and receive mentoring from the PI and other faculty to develop his/her own independent research programs and grant applications.
Position Responsibilities
- Perform bioassays, such as immunohistology PCR, qPCR, ELISAs, western blots, and DNA extraction
- Perform gut microbiome analysis and understand the correlations between gut microbiome changes and immunity responses.
- Data storage and organization in databases, preparation of summary of results, preparation of manuscript and presentations
- Maintain accurate records of research activity and contribute to writing of protocol documents
- Adhere to safety protocols and maintain lab in clean and high-functioning condition
- Mentoring and training junior lab members
- Pursuit of research and other scholarly activities, such as manuscript and grant writing
Required Qualifications
- PhD in immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, biochemistry or similar field, or MD/PhD
- Proficient in statistical analysis
- Track record of scientific productivity such as publications
- Works well in collaborative teams and able to manage an independent research project
- Excellent writing and communicating skills
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
- With experiences on grant writings
- With experiences on R or Python
To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and 3 reference contact information to Dr. Ai-Ling Lin (ai-ling.lin@health.missouri.edu).
Lin Brain Lab 