Research Fellow, Gerontology

Role Summary

A postdoctoral research opportunity is open in the laboratory of Dr. Bumsoo Ahn at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The work centers on mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle adaptation in aging and cancer models, with the fellow taking the lead on a research program that examines how bioenergetics-focused interventions affect muscle function, energy reserve, and stress responses. The position is designed to support high-quality first-author publications and structured career development in a collaborative, translational research setting.

Department and Work Details

Department: Wake Forest University Health Sciences - Gerontology

Status: Full time

Benefits eligible: Yes

Hours per week: 40

Schedule: Full-time position

Pay range: $30.70 - $46.05 per hour

Research Focus

The laboratory studies mechanistic and translational questions related to mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox signaling, aging, and resilience. The fellow will work in a team-oriented environment and will have room to follow promising findings into new research directions as the project evolves.

Responsibilities

The selected fellow will be expected to:

• Plan and carry out interventions aimed at changing mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox balance, including voluntary wheel running and ghrelin delivery through an osmotic pump.
• Perform cell-based experiments as well as rodent behavior and function testing, including motor and cognitive assessments.
• Measure mitochondrial function using Seahorse Bioscience systems or Oroboros O2k high-resolution respirometry.
• Support redox-related and proteomic analyses.
• Interpret data and collaborate with a multidisciplinary scientific team.
• Assist with manuscript writing and grant preparation.

Requirements

Applicants should meet the following baseline qualifications:

• PhD completed in physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cancer biology, or a closely related discipline, with no more than two years of post-PhD experience.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, mouse work, microdissection, and molecular biology methods such as qRT-PCR, western blotting, and imaging.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Eligibility

This opening is intended for early-career postdoctoral researchers who have recently earned a doctorate and are interested in aging, muscle biology, mitochondria, or related biomedical research areas.

Application Materials

Interested candidates are expected to provide a curriculum vitae, a short statement outlining research interests and career goals, and contact details for three references.

Benefits and Compensation

The role is benefits-eligible and includes access to Advocate Health’s total rewards package. Available offerings may include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, family support benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave, employer-matched retirement plans, financial wellness resources, and educational assistance. Additional compensation elements may include premium pay, incentive pay for select roles, and annual performance-based increases. Eligibility for some programs may vary by employment status.

About the Organization

Advocate Health is a large nonprofit integrated health system with a strong presence across the United States and a significant research footprint. Wake Forest University School of Medicine serves as the academic core of the enterprise, which is active in clinical trials, research studies, and graduate medical education.

Additional Information

This is a full-time postdoctoral position with 40 hours per week. The advertised compensation range is $30.70 to $46.05 per hour. Interested candidates are asked to submit their application documents to the hiring contact listed in the source.