Postdoctoral scholar on metabolic biology
Postdoctoral Position Available – Metabolic Research at UC Berkeley
A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Sona Kang in the Department of Metabolic Biology & Nutrition at UC Berkeley (https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/sona-kang).
Our laboratory investigates how adipose tissue regulates systemic metabolism, from epigenetic and molecular regulation of adipose function to endocrine signaling between adipose tissue and other metabolic organs. Building on our findings that epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles across diverse aspects of adipose biology, our current work focuses on identifying downstream effectors that control adipose metabolic activity and coordinate inter-organ metabolic communication. Through these studies, we aim to uncover regulatory pathways that can be leveraged to develop new therapeutic strategies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related metabolic diseases.
We use interdisciplinary approaches spanning cellular and animal models, molecular and biochemical assays, and multi-omics analyses to define the regulatory networks that govern adipose tissue function, inter-organ metabolic crosstalk, and whole-body energy homeostasis. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to lead mechanistically driven projects involving mouse metabolic studies, cell-based assays, biochemical analyses, and/or genome-wide profiling, while developing an independent research direction in adipose and metabolic biology.
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, strong critical thinking skills, and enthusiasm for addressing fundamental questions in metabolic biology with relevance to human disease. Expertise in one or more of the following areas is required: molecular and cell biology, metabolic phenotyping in mouse models, or genome-wide profiling. Ph.D. candidates nearing graduation are welcome to apply.
Our recent publications:
- JMJD8 regulates adipocyte hypertrophy through the interaction with Perilipin 2. Diabetes. 2025
- JMJD8 Facilitates Hepatic Lipid Deposition and Metabolic Dysfunction. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab (2025).
- TET3 plays a critical role in white adipose development and diet-induced remodeling. Cell Reports. 2023
- AIFM2 is required for high-intensity aerobic exercise by promoting glucose utilization. Diabetes. 2022
- JMJD8 is a Novel Molecular Nexus Between Adipocyte-Intrinsic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance. Diabetes. 2021
- A necessary role of DNMT3A in endurance exercise by suppressing ALDH1L1-mediated oxidative stress. EMBO, 2021
- TET1 is a beige adipocyte–selective epigenetic suppressor of thermogenesis. Nat Commun. 2020
- Functional role of DNA methylation in adipose biology. Diabetes 2019
- TET2 facilitates PPARγ agonist–mediated gene regulation and insulin sensitization in adipocytes. Metabolism. 2018
- Dnmt3a is an epigenetic mediator of adipose insulin resistance. eLife. 2017
Full Publication: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/sona.kang.1/bibliography/public/
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).
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