Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Location: Lincoln, NE

Application Deadline: open until filled

The Jun Lab in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is recruiting PostdoctoralResearch Associates to study adipose tissue biology and its roles in organ communication, systemic energy homeostasis, and chronic diseases with metabolic dysregulation. The postdoc will lead independent and collaborative projects using mouse models, cell culture systems, and high-throughput datasets (e.g., RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, metagenomics, and metabolomics). Depending on expertise and experience, the postdoc may focus on wet-lab research, bioinformatics, or an integrated approach. This position offers strong mentorship, opportunities to publish in high-impact journals, develop independent funding, and build collaborations across UNL.

Research areas (examples)

Regulation and function of adipose tissues in chronic disease contexts Organ communication and inter-tissue signaling Whole-body metabolism and bioenergetics (energy expenditure, substrate utilization) Mechanistic studies using genetic mouse models and interventions Molecular profiling (gene/protein expression; multi-omics as appropriate)

Key responsibilities

Design, execute, and interpret experiments using appropriate models. Analyze data, maintain detailed records, and present results in lab meetings and at scientific conferences. Write manuscripts, contribute to grant applications, and help mentor students/trainees.

Wet-lab focused track (examples):

Perform cell culture and animal studies. Conduct metabolic phenotyping (e.g., GTT, ITT, tissue analysis). Carry out mechanistic studies using genetic and/or physiological/pharmacological interventions. Perform molecular biology/biochemistry assays (e.g., qPCR, immunoblotting, histology/imaging as needed).

Bioinformatics-focused track (examples):

Analyze high-throughput datasets (bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, metagenomics, and metabolomics) using reproducible workflows. Perform quality control, differential expression/abundance analysis, pathway and network analyses, and data integration across multi-omics platforms. Develop analysis pipelines and scripts (R/Python), generate publication-quality figures, and collaborate with wet-lab teammates to connect computational findings to mechanistic experiments.

Required qualifications

PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in Physiology, Endocrinology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field (completed by start date). At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Strong experimental rigor, organization, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment.

Preferred qualifications

Experience with adipose tissue biology, metabolism, mitochondrial biology, microbiome research, or endocrine physiology. Experience with mouse models and metabolic phenotyping. Proficiency in R and/or Python and familiarity with common bioinformatics tools and workflows. Ability to manage complex datasets and maintain clear documentation and reproducible analysis practices.

How to apply

Please email the following as one PDF:

1) CV, 2) cover letter describing research interests and fit, and 3) contact information for 2-3 references.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance
Work Location: In person