Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Cardiovascular Surgery

full-time

Pay Range

Postdoctoral Researcher Translational Cardiac Metabolism and Myocardial Injury/Recovery Research (Wake Forest University School of Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgery and Molecular Medicine)

Description

The lab focuses on mechanistic and translational research in cardiac metabolism with particular emphasis on how substrate utilization mitochondrial function and metabolic remodeling influence myocardial performance injury and recovery in cardiovascular disease. As a clinically oriented translational laboratory our research philosophy uses a bedside to bench and back again approach.

Our work spans ischemiareperfusion injury advanced heart failure cardiometabolic disease and mechanical unloading integrating molecular cellular and physiological approaches. We leverage a unique and growing resource of human myocardial tissue through the Wake Cardiovascular and Thoracic Biobank which includes left ventricular samples collected during cardiothoracic surgery explanted failing hearts from LVAD recipients and hearts from cardiac transplantation enabling direct translation of experimental findings to human disease.

Experimental platforms include cell culture systems genetically and surgically modified murine models large animal models of myocardial infarction and phenotyped human cardiac tissue. The lab maintains close collaborative relationships with experts in cardiology cardiothoracic surgery metabolomics artificial intelligence mitochondrial biology and systems approaches to cardiovascular disease.

Expectations

Commonly used techniques include in vivo mouse models of cardiac injury and stress (e.g. ischemiareperfusion metabolic perturbation pressure overload and heart failure) echocardiography exercise and functional testing mitochondrial functional assays substrate utilization and metabolic flux analyses targeted and untargeted metabolomics microscopy (fluorescence confocal and electron) IVIS imaging PCR qRT-PCR western blotting RNA sequencing histology and collecting/processing and analysis of human myocardial tissue obtained from the operating room LVAD explants and heart transplants.

Flexibility and a strong willingness to learn new experimental and analytical techniques are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high degree of motivation and scientific independence with strong organizational skills and attention to rigor and reproducibility. Expectations include timely presentation of data effective communication with multidisciplinary collaborators preparation of abstracts and manuscripts presentations at scientific meetings and meaningful participation in grant and fellowship development.

The lab regularly hosts undergraduate graduate and medical trainees; therefore enthusiasm for mentorship teaching and collaborative team science is highly valued.

Opportunities

For candidates interested in translational cardiovascular research in metabolism there are opportunities to observe and collect samples in the operating room during mechanical circulatory support procedures (LVAD) and heart transplant surgery. The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Division of Cardiology Molecular Medicine and affiliated cardiovascular research programs provide regular conferences research seminars and multidisciplinary forums.

We offer a supportive and well-resourced environment for early-career investigators and are deeply committed to assisting postdoctoral fellows in achieving their long-term academic translational or industry career goals including transition-to-independence awards.

Culture

We foster a highly collaborative collegial and productive laboratory culture emphasizing scientific rigor professional development intellectual curiosity and mutual support. Our environment values open communication mentorship and the pursuit of impactful cardiovascular science.

Please send applications including personal statement CV and references to

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Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications skills relevant experience and/or training

• Premium pay such as shift on call and more based on a teammates job

• Incentive pay for select positions

• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs

• Health and welfare benefits such as medical dental vision life andShort- and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g. full-time part-time per diem temporary etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.