Postdoctoral position in Gut-Brain Communication

A postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Mark Alkema at Umass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. We are seeking a motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow interested in understanding how nervous systems generate complex behaviors and adapt them to changes in the internal and external environment.

Our research uses Caenorhabditis elegans to address two complementary questions. First, we investigate how neuromodulators and co-transmitters generate behavioral states and control transitions between them. Second, we examine how the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites influence neural function, physiology, and behavior. These projects explore the mechanisms by which internal state, environmental conditions, and microbial signals are integrated by the nervous system.

We combine genetics, molecular biology, quantitative behavioral analysis, neural imaging, optogenetics, bacterial genetics, and metabolomics. The successful candidate will have considerable freedom to develop an independent research direction within either of these areas or at their intersection.

The laboratory provides a collaborative and intellectually engaging environment in which curiosity, creativity, and experimental rigor are valued. The Department of Neurobiology at UMass Chan offers an interactive research community and access to advanced imaging, genomic, metabolomic, and computational resources.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in neurobiology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Previous peer-reviewed publications
• Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific-writing skills
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• An interest in neuromodulation, behavior, or microbiome-host communication

  Previous experience with C. elegans is helpful but not required. Applicants with backgrounds in neuroscience, microbiology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, metabolomics, or quantitative biology are encouraged to apply.

  Postdoctoral fellows will be actively involved in manuscript and grant writing. Training and mentorship in grant writing will be provided, and fellows will be encouraged to develop and submit their own fellowship and research proposals.

  Application

  Applicants should submit:

  • A cover letter describing their research background, interests, and reasons for applying
  • A curriculum vitae, including a complete publication list
  • Contact information for three references

    If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out with a CV and a short note about your background and interests to:

    Dr. Mark Alkema
    Department of Neurobiology
    UMass Chan Medical School
    Worcester, Massachusetts