Postdoctoral Research Associate - Mitochondrial Biology in Metabolic Health and Disease

Overview

The University of Utah Health Research's Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate mitochondrial function in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This full-time position based in Salt Lake City offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to projects focusing on mitochondrial biology, development of mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics, and their roles in metabolic health and disease.

Laboratory Focus

The Chaudhuri lab studies mitochondrial physiology in metabolic disease contexts, emphasizing metabolism regulation by ion channels and transporters across heart, liver, and kidney failure. Their research integrates molecular and cellular biology, electrophysiology, imaging, genetic models, and whole-animal cardiovascular assessments. The role involves collaboration with a dynamic team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research specialists.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and independently conduct experiments using cellular and rodent models to explore molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in heart and liver.
• Utilize a range of molecular, cellular, and biochemical methods, including live-cell imaging with computational analysis, histology, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, voltage-clamp electrophysiology ion channel studies, surgical and genetic mouse models of relevant diseases, computational techniques for high-throughput sequencing and imaging, mitochondrial assays, metabolomics, various cell culture systems, and protein biochemistry or molecular biology techniques such as protein purification, spectrophotometric assays, drug binding, RNA interference, PCR, qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting.
• In projects involving mouse models, supervise colony maintenance alongside technicians, perform animal handling and surgical or drug administration protocols ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatic tools.
• Prepare detailed scientific manuscripts and reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings regularly in individual and group meetings, internal seminars, and at national or international conferences.
• Support the principal investigator with grant application preparation and reporting for funding agencies.
• Collaborate closely with the PI, team members, and external researchers across disciplines.
• Mentor and supervise junior lab members, including undergraduate and graduate trainees.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences such as Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Biophysics, Physiology, or an MD with relevant biomedical research experience.
• Demonstrated significant experience with peer-reviewed publications in areas such as fluorescence imaging, mitochondrial biology, ion channel electrophysiology, mouse models of cardiovascular/metabolic disease, drug development, protein biochemistry/molecular and structural biology.
• Proficiency and comfort in working with rodent disease models.
• Strong motivation, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Adept at managing multiple projects concurrently within a collaborative team environment.

Additional Information and Compliance

This position participates in Utah Retirement Systems (URS) with options based on prior service. Candidates must consent to background checks and possibly a drug screening. The University promotes inclusive hiring practices and values diversity; accommodations are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Veterans’ preference applies where consistent with policies and law. The University strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or other protected statuses, and complies with Title IX obligations.

Applicants interested in applying should prepare to submit research interest statements, CVs, and references directly to the contact email provided in official postings.