Postdoctoral Fellow - Wen-Xing Ding Lab

Department:

SOM KC Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics

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Ding Lab

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow - Wen-Xing Ding Lab

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

Within this research program, the postdoc fellow will spearhead the studies on mitochondria dynamics and mtDNA-mediated innate immune response in chronic liver diseases in particular alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease. The study requires expertise in mitochondria and liver biology. The position will perform animal research (genetic animal mouse breeding, alcohol and high-fat diet feeding, IV and IP injection, oral gavage, tissue harvesting and cellular organelle isolation), biochemical and histological analysis, as well as omics data analysis and manuscript preparation.

The Postdoc will work under the direct mentorship of principal investigator (PI) Wen-Xing Ding, PhD, Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics (PTT).

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:

• Participate in regular communication with the PI and colleagues via both group laboratory and one-on-one meetings.

• Maintain accurate and well-organized research records to ensure data integrity and accessibility.

• Spearhead the creative design, execution, and analysis of complementary in vitro experiments using mouse and human cells/tissues within a multidisciplinary team setting (e.g., primary mouse hepatocyte isolation and human liver tissue samples).

• Lead cause-effect experiments using mouse models within a team setting to define the in vivo impacts of mitochondria dynamics in liver biology.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data for planning of future experiments, resultant publications, and grant applications.

• Work directly with the PI to prepare manuscripts for publication in scientific journals based on experimental results, as well as to write reviews on related topics.

• Work directly with the PI to prepare grant applications in support of both individual career development and team laboratory funding.

• Participate in the dissemination of results by presenting to both the scientific and general audiences from local to international forums.

• Co-mentor junior trainees in the research laboratory.

• Lead aspects of routine laboratory and animal model maintenance. More specifically, this includes working closely with the PI to coordinate the day-to-day management of laboratory operations, such as upholding personnel safety protocols, overseeing equipment and supply logistics, coordinating ongoing research initiatives, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.

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: PhD or MD in biomedical sciences and liver research

Work Experience:

• Research experience in a wet bench laboratory

• Mentorship experience of junior technicians and trainees within a laboratory setting

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: PhD in Toxicology

Work Experience:

• Technical background experience in molecular biology, cellular imaging and animal experimentation in liver diseases

• Experience in bioinformatics

Required Documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Employee Type:

Regular

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:

$63,480.00 - $90,000.00

Minimum

$63,480.00

Midpoint

$76,739.00

Maximum

$90,000.00