"Postdoctoral scholar on metabolic biology"

Job Details

Postdoctoral Position Available – Metabolic Research at UC Berkeley

A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Sona Kang in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology at UC Berkeley (https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/sona-kang).

Our central goal is to uncover how intrinsic cellular pathways in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle coordinate systemic energy balance, with the ultimate vision of developing new strategies to treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic diseases.

We combine cellular and animal models with molecular, biochemical, and genomic tools to dissect the complex regulatory networks that define metabolic function. Ongoing projects focus on understanding how epigenetic enzymes and intracellular signaling pathways shape adipose tissue and muscle metabolism, thermogenesis, and development.

We are seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative individual who thrives in a stimulating research environment. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of independence and strong critical thinking skills. Ph.D. candidates nearing graduation are welcome to apply.

Expertise in one or more of the following areas is required: molecular and cell biology, metabolic phenotyping in mouse models, or genome-wide profiling. The successful candidate will lead projects involving mouse metabolic studies, cell-based assays, and/or biochemical analyses.

Our recent publications:

1. JMJD8 Facilitates Hepatic Lipid Deposition and Metabolic Dysfunction. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2025
2. JMJD8 regulates adipocyte hypertrophy through the interaction with Perilipin 2. Diabetes. 2025
3. TET3 plays a critical role in white adipose development and diet-induced remodeling. Cell Reports. 2023
4. AIFM2 is required for high-intensity aerobic exercise by promoting glucose utilization. Diabetes. 2022
5. JMJD8 is a Novel Molecular Nexus Between Adipocyte-Intrinsic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance. Diabetes. 2021
6. A necessary role of DNMT3A in endurance exercise by suppressing ALDH1L1-mediated oxidative stress. EMBO, 2021
7. TET1 is a beige adipocyte–selective epigenetic suppressor of thermogenesis. Nat Commun. 2020
8. Functional role of DNA methylation in adipose biology. Diabetes 2019
9. TET2 facilitates PPARγ agonist–mediated gene regulation and insulin sensitization in adipocytes. Metabolism. 201*
10. Dnmt3a is an epigenetic mediator of adipose insulin resistance. eLife. 2017

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should directly e-mail Dr. Sona Kang at sonakanglab@gmail.com a single PDF file that includes cover letter and CV and names/contact information of at least three individuals for references.

Appointment

The initial appointment is for 24 months, with renewal based on performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley Postdoc salary scale. The annual salary range for this position will be determined by UC Berkeley guidelines https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-oct-2025-scales/t23.pdf. Generous benefits are included (http://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdocs).