Job Description

Recruiting Post-doctoral Fellow.

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mucosal Immunology and Gut Epithelial Biology
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Principal Investigator: Dr. Venkatakrishna Jala, Ph.D.
Email: jvrao001@louisville.edu.


Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research program focused on mucosal immunology, intestinal epithelial biology, and microbiota–metabolite interactions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Alcohol liver disease (ALD) and colorectal cancer. Our lab investigates how microbiota and microbial metabolites (e.g., urolithins), host signaling pathways regulate gut barrier integrity, immune homeostasis, and tumorigenesis.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to explore host–microbiota–metabolite interactions using advanced in vivo models, organoid systems, and single-cell/spatial transcriptomic approaches.


Research Areas
Mechanisms of gut epithelial barrier regulation in various inflammatory disorders such as IBD and IBD-associated colon cancer and ALD.
Host–microbiota signaling and metabolite-driven modulation of gut barrier and mucosal immunity.


Qualifications
Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Immunology, Cell/Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, or related disciplines.
Strong background in mucosal immunology, epithelial biology, or GI inflammation/cancer.
Experience with mouse models, cell culture, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, or omics (RNA-seq, single-cell, or spatial) preferred.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a record of scientific productivity.


Our Environment
The position is housed within the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and affiliated with the Alcohol Research Center and Tumor Immunology Program at the Brown Cancer Center. The laboratory provides a stimulating, collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge imaging, genomics, metabolomics, and gnotobiotic core facilities.


What We Offer
Competitive NIH-aligned salary and benefits.
Support for career development, conference attendance, and mentoring toward independent research careers.
Opportunities to engage in collaborative translational projects connecting microbiota research with human disease.


How to Apply
Please send a single PDF containing:
A cover letter describing your research interests and career goals,
Curriculum vitae, and
Contact information for three references
Email: jvrao001@louisville.edu.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.