"Postdoctoral research fellow in gut organoid physiology and IBD pathophysiology"

Dr. Declan McCole's Laboratory – Post-Doctoral Researcher

Job Title: Postdoctoral research fellow in gut organoid physiology and IBD pathophysiology

Principal Investigator: Declan McCole, PhD, AGAF

Laboratory Description:

The McCole laboratory (https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/dmccole) at University of California Riverside. The McCole lab uses a multidisciplinary approach to better understand the effects of inflammation on intestinal epithelial barrier function. We incorporate electrophysiology, molecular biology, biochemical and imaging approaches to better understand epithelial barrier and tight junction regulation in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Our research program also involves studying how the IBD and autoimmune risk gene, PTPN2, influences gut microbiota interactions with host epithelium and epithelial-immune cell interactions in homeostatic and disease regulation of the gut barrier. We also translate our studies to human disease by studying how intestinal barrier dysfunction contributes to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This involves functional studies using human intestinal biopsies, as well as omics analysis of samples from IBD patients. In addition, we are investigating novel treatments to restore barrier function and incorporating mouse and human organoid studies into our work. Our projects are supported by several NIH and industry grant awards.

Job Description:

We are recruiting for a position covering the following areas:

The successful candidate will lead independent projects (working with collaborators) to establish IBD patient inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived intestinal organoids for functional studies of epithelial barrier and antimicrobial functions. This project will also involve growing intestinal enteroids/organoids using the Emulate gut-on-chip model system (https://emulatebio.com/organ-chips/). Gut-on-chip cultured enteroids will be used to study epithelial differentiation, epithelial-immune interactions, and responses to inflammatory cytokine or bacterial challenge. These studies will be paired with analysis of genotyped IBD patient databases, thus providing opportunities for bioinformatics training and practical disease-relevant applications. Interested individuals will be encouraged to develop an independent research program and eventually apply for independent grant funding.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement research studies
• Collect and analyze data; perform quality control, interpret, summarize results
• Master prior literature and place findings in appropriate scientific context. Publish results in peer-review journals.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the lab, and at other institutions, to improve the efficiency of research.

Qualifications:

• PhD or PhD/MD in cell biology, physiology, immunology, or related fields
• Substantial expertise in intestinal epithelial cell culture is required while expertise in human organoid/enteroid culture is highly preferred.
• Experience with gut-on-chip model systems is a distinct advantage but not a requirement.
• Additional skills/areas of expertise that are valued include: fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, qPCR/Western blotting, flow cytometry
• Self-motivated and highly dedicated
• Effective written and oral communication skills, with evidence of high quality first-author publications.

UCR Division of Biomedical Sciences & School of Medicine:

The McCole laboratory is located in the Division of Biomedical Sciences in the School of Medicine at UC Riverside and is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities. UC Riverside is a world-class research university with highly ranked graduate programs in biomedical sciences, cell & molecular biology, and microbiology. Our Southern California location is home to one of the largest academic research and biotechnology hubs in the US. Lab members enjoy direct access to this outstanding community of biomedical scientists and clinicians as well as the wide range of recreational activities available in our region. Successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary and collaborative team to develop the next generation tools and technologies to study mechanisms and develop treatments for IBD and gastrointestinal inflammation.

The UCR School of Medicine's mission is to improve the health of the community in the Inland Empire, one of the most ethnically diverse and medically underserved areas of the country. UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students.

Salary Information: Salary will be based on University of California guidelines for the Postdoctoral scholars (below) and is commensurate with experience. This position is fully funded by NIH grants. The posted UC salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/index.html) set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 23 for the salary range. The salary range for this position is $64,480 – $77,327 commensurate with level of experience.

To apply for this position, submit your CV with publication record and a list of three references to: Declan.mccole@ucr.edu