Postdoctoral Associate

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to understand hormone-driven connections between the gut, brain, and body. The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research to understand the role of intestinal epithelial produced oxytocin in intestinal pathology and behavior. This research will involve use of a genetic mouse model lacking intestinal epithelial oxytocin. The candidate will be involved in several research projects to characterize the intestinal physiology and behavior of these mice under normal conditions and under conditions of intestinal and/or behavior disorders. This project will also include study of probiotic microbes and their interactions with intestinal epithelial oxytocin using mice, ex vivo, and cell culture models. The candidate will be expected to contribute to research in the lab, develop manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals, apply for fellowships, and contribute to the preparation of grant applications. The Postdoctoral Associate will also contribute to the training of undergraduate and graduate researchers and participate in collaborative work with other laboratories. The candidate will be expected to maintain effective communication and active discussion related to the involved research with the Principal Investigator and laboratory members.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

The candidate is expected to conduct research under the direction of the PI (Dr. Di Rienzi), attend lab meetings, and be an active lab member. Assist in mouse husbandry, ear punching, and PCR-based genotyping as needed. Perform mouse behavior and intestinal physiology assays Perform image analysis and perform immunofluorescence staining. Perform data analysis and prepare scientific figures. Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication, fellowship applications, as well as contribute to the preparation of grant applications. Assist in the training of undergraduate and graduate researchers. Maintain effective communication and active discussion related to the involved research with the Principal Investigator and laboratory members. Participate in the configuration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and equipment, including computers, necessary for conduct of the project. Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement. FLSA Exempt Grade Position Salary Annual Minimum Salary Annual Mid Range Salary Annual Maximum Salary Standard Hours 37.50 Union Description Post Docs - Regular Salaried Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to .

Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility ABP Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Ph.D. Degree in Food Science, Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related science is required. Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Extensive wet lab techniques including mouse handling, standard molecular biology techniques, sterile technique, statistics, are required.  Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications is required.  The candidate is expected to be proficient in spoken and written English. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience with studies of mouse disease models, grant writing and manuscript preparation. Mentoring experience. Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Standing, sitting, walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Manual dexterity and vision sufficient for standard laboratory operations including pipetting and use of microscopes. Must be able to lift or exert force up to twenty (20) pounds. Computer data input required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Laboratory environment. Universal precautions are mandatory. Special Conditions This is position is contingent on the availability of funds to support it.  Position can start in January 2025 when the lab opens.

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