POST DOCTORATE FELLOW - Immunometabolism

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University’s David Braley Research Institute invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to join the renowned laboratory of Dr. Marc Jeschke, Surgeon and Research Leader in burn trauma.

The role focuses on translational studies of metabolism, inflammation and adipose tissue in severe injury. You will work in a multidisciplinary setting with access to extensive clinical data, biobank resources, and state-of-the-art facilities to advance therapies and improve recovery

Qualifications

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in Cell Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in metabolism, lipid biology, adipose tissue biology, immunology, or related fields.
• Experience with flow cytometry, immune cell phenotyping and cell sorting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate roles of adipose tissue, immunometabolism, inflammation, and adipose-derived mediators after severe burn injury.
• Identify novel therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes and enable precision medicine.
• Collaborate with clinicians, scientists, engineers, and trainees across Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University.

Skills

PhD in related field

Strong publications

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD (or MD/PhD) in Cell Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences

Tools

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology techniques

Histology

Job description

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Hamilton General Hospital

Open Date

2026/08/27

Job Type

Limited Term (=12 month)

Close Date

2026/10/21

Employee Group

Favorite Job

Department

Surgery

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Job Code

000913

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

12.1 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

35

The David Braley Research Institute, affiliated with McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to join the internationally recognized laboratory of Dr. Marc Jeschke, Professor of Surgery at McMaster University and Vice President, Research & Innovation at Hamilton Health Sciences.

Our laboratory conducts innovative translational research to understand and attenuate trauma-induced hypermetabolism, immunometabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and sepsis following severe burn and traumatic injury. By integrating mechanistic basic science with clinical research, we aim to develop novel therapies that improve survival, functional recovery, and long-term outcomes for critically ill patients.

Our laboratory recently demonstrated that adipose tissue browning is a key driver of post-burn hypermetabolism and adverse long‑term clinical outcomes, fundamentally changing our understanding of metabolic dysfunction following severe injury. Building on these discoveries, our current research focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying adipose tissue remodeling and immunometabolism and developing novel therapeutic interventions that can be translated into clinical practice.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative translational research environment with access to one of the world’s largest burn and trauma research programs, an extensive clinical registry and biobank, and state‑of‑the‑art core facilities. The laboratory offers excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations, high‑impact publications, and career development.

About Our Laboratory

The Jeschke Laboratory is internationally recognized for its contributions to burn biology, hypermetabolism, inflammation, sepsis, and critical care research. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where trainees are encouraged to develop independence, publish in high‑impact journals, pursue fellowship funding, and establish successful academic careers.

About the Department of Surgery

Over its 50+ year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We are a Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a creative mindset and powered by our people.

The successful candidate will be bring a positive, solutions‑focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.
This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:

C.R.E.A.T.E.
Culture that includes
Research that impacts
Education that inspires
Advancement for all
Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship
Excellence in patient care

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and collaborative scientist with a strong interest in translational biomedical research.

As a member of our multidisciplinary research team, the successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research investigating the role of adipose tissue, immunometabolism, inflammation, and adipose‑derived mediators following severe burn injury. These studies aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that improve patient outcomes and facilitate the development of precision medicine approaches for critically ill patients.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with clinicians, scientists, engineers, and trainees across Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University while contributing to a highly productive research environment.

Skills and Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in Cell Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in metabolism, lipid biology, adipose tissue biology, immunology, or related fields.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Flow cytometry, including multicolour immune cell phenotyping and cell sorting
• Immune cell biology and immunometabolism (in vitro and/or in vivo)
• Primary cell culture
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis)
• Tissue processing and histology
• Confocal or fluorescence microscopy
• Mitochondrial respiration assays and metabolic stress testing
• Metabolomics, proteomics, single‑cell RNA sequencing, or other multi‑omics approaches (considered strong assets)

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

• A strong publication record appropriate to career stage
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Scientific curiosity, initiative, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Duration and Funding

The fellowship is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.

Pay Transparency Statement

The starting salary will not be less than $50,000.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on‑site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in‑person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

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