Summary
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is immediately available to investigate the mechanisms of gut nutrient sensing and brain reward systems by intestinal Intrinsic Primary Afferent Neurons (IPANs) and their roles in obesity and diabetes development as part of an R01 funded project in Dr. Sinju Sundaresan’s laboratory at Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL.
We are seeking hard-working, highly motivated, detail-oriented candidates with background in neuroscience and experience in rodent survival surgery, stereotaxic surgery, electrophysiology, rodent behavioral evaluation combining opto- or chemo-genetics, fiber-photometry, and head-mount miniature microscopy to join our research team. Experience in multi-omics, bioinformatics, and data analyses using R will be considered as assets. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently with minimal supervision within a multidisciplinary, diverse group of scientists. This postdoctoral position offers early-career researchers the opportunity to master valuable cutting-edge techniques, develop research and grantsmanship skills, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge that are key to launching independent academic careers. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate may begin as soon as available. The appointment is for up to four years, renewable annually.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare manuscript drafts for publication.
- Assists in training and mentoring lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
- Perform thorough evaluation of literature.
- Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
- Possesses strong written and oral communication skills.
- Present data at scientific conferences.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular in-person attendance Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
A PhD (or evidence of completion by the start date) in a biomedical science discipline (e.g., neuroscience, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, or closely related field) is required. Experience in neurocircuitry, epigenetics, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, rodent behavioral studies (e.g., hunger, satiety, and addiction) will be considered an advantage. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Please include the following in your application: 1) CV/Resume, 2) a cover letter describing your research background and interest, and 3) the name and contact information of three professional references.
Computer Skills
Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and software related to scientific literature, statistical analyses software such as GraphPad Prism and graphics. Experience in MATLAB, R (in R studio), and python is desirable.
Other Skills and Ability
Applicants must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; must be highly motivated, productive team players with the ability to adapt to new projects and to work on multiple projects.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to sit, climb or balance; talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Application Details
To apply, please visit https://www.midwestern.edu/employment-mwu. For primary consideration, applications should be submitted by August 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter.
Information on Midwestern University and its graduate programs is available at www.midwestern.edu. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Sundaresan at ssunda@midwestern.edu.
Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.