Post-Doctoral Scholar - Anesthesiology

Wexner Medical Center; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wexner Medical Center is seeking a Post-Doctoral Scholar to contribute to groundbreaking research in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration under Dr. Xiaowen Bai. This role involves using advanced human stem cell-derived models, conducting electrophysiology, and mentoring students.

Applicants should possess a doctoral degree and be motivated to develop independent research projects. Previous experience in iPSC culture, electrophysiology, or related fields is advantageous. Join us for an opportunity in a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology, or related fields is required.
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills are essential.
• Experience with human iPSC culture and electrophysiology techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research using human iPSC-derived neural cells.
• Perform electrophysiology and molecular biology experiments.
• Mentor trainees including undergraduate and graduate students.

Skills

Human iPSC culture

Electrophysiology techniques

Mitochondrial assays

Bioinformatics

AI-assisted data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology, or related field

Tools

Cerebral organoid models

Live-cell imaging

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Anesthesiology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Post‑Doctoral Scholar to work in Dr. Xiaowen Bai’s laboratory.

Dr. Bai’s research investigates how genetic risk factors interact with environmental exposures, such as alcohol and anesthetics, to drive neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative injury. Using human stem cell‑derived neural models, cerebral organoids, animal models, electrophysiology, mouse behavioral assays, and multi‑omics approaches, the lab focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, redox/calcium signaling, and non‑coding RNA mechanisms to identify molecular pathways, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for brain injury and neurodegeneration.

For more information about Dr. Bai’s research, please visit: https://medicine.osu.edu/find-a-researcher/xiaowen-bai-100474268

The successful candidate will contribute to translational research focused on stem cell and organoid biology, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, and non‑coding RNAs. The research integrates human iPSC‑derived models and mouse systems, with a translational focus toward clinically relevant therapies.

Responsibilities

The Post‑Doctoral Scholar will conduct independent and collaborative research using human iPSC‑derived neural cells, cerebral organoids, and mouse models. The candidate will perform electrophysiology and molecular biology experiments, analyze mitochondrial function, conduct live‑cell and high‑content imaging studies, perform mouse behavioral assays, and contribute to bioinformatics/omics analyses such as scRNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, and AI‑assisted data analysis.

The candidate will also assist in mentoring trainees at various levels, including undergraduate and graduate students and other research trainees. Mentoring activities may include training junior lab members in experimental techniques, data analysis, troubleshooting, scientific writing, presentation preparation, and responsible research practices.

Strong organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to rigorous and reproducible research are expected.

Minimum Qualifications

A doctoral degree, such as PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent, in Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field is required. No prior postdoctoral experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have experience with one or more of the following areas: human iPSC culture, directed differentiation, cerebral organoid models, electrophysiology techniques such as patch‑clamp recording or multi‑electrode array analysis, molecular biology workflows, mitochondrial assays, live‑cell imaging, high‑content or automated image analysis, mouse behavioral assays, bioinformatics/omics analysis including scRNA‑seq or ATAC‑seq, and AI‑assisted data analysis.

Experience with mouse behavioral assays, such as Morris water maze, Y‑maze, novel object recognition, open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod, fear conditioning, or related neurobehavioral testing, is preferred.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment within the Department of Anesthesiology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The position provides opportunities for training in advanced human stem cell‑derived models, cerebral organoids, mouse models, electrophysiology, mitochondrial biology, multi‑omics, bioinformatics, and AI‑assisted data analysis.

The Post‑Doctoral Scholar will be encouraged to develop independent research projects, contribute to grant applications and manuscripts, present findings at national and international conferences, and build a strong foundation for an independent research career. The candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate with investigators across neuroscience, stem cell biology, anesthesiology, mitochondrial biology, genomics, and translational medicine.

Application Materials Required

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, and two letters of recommendation or contact information for two professional references.

Research Areas

• Stem cell biology
• Cerebral organoids
• Neurodevelopmental injury
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Anesthetic‑induced brain injury
• Alcohol‑induced neurodegeneration
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Redox/calcium signaling
• Non‑coding RNAs
• Electrophysiology
• Mouse behavioral assays
• Multi‑omics
• Bioinformatics
• AI‑assisted data analysis
• Translational neuroscience

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical exam may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.