Post Doctoral Scholar - Surgery

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

Job summary

The Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to focus on research related to the Heart–Brain Axis. Under the guidance of Dr. Rongxue Wu, you will explore how cardiovascular stressors affect neuroinflammation and brain function.

This position requires strong expertise in endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial biology. You will engage in diverse research activities, contribute to scientific writing, and participate in collaborative seminars. Candidates with a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in BBB biology and aging-related studies.
• Experience with mouse models preferred but not required.
• Motivation for an academic research career.

Responsibilities

• Study interactions between endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial stress.
• Examine organ cross‑talk between the heart, vasculature, and brain.
• Perform molecular and cellular assays, including permeability assays.
• Analyze complex experimental datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and writing.

Skills

Endothelial dysfunction

Mitochondrial biology

Neuroinflammation

Experimental data analysis

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in relevant fields

Tools

qPCR

Western blotting

Immunofluorescence

ECIS

Mitochondrial functional analyses

Job description

The Postdoctoral Researcher will pursue advanced research training under the mentorship of Dr. Rongxue (Rosie) Wu, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery (Cardiology) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This position focuses on the Heart–Brain Axis, investigating how cardiovascular and systemic inflammatory stressors disrupt blood–brain barrier integrity, promote neuroinflammation, and contribute to aging‑related vascular and neurological dysfunction.

The successful candidate will study mechanisms linking endothelial injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory signaling to brain‑vascular pathology, using integrated in vitro and in vivo models.

Responsibilities

• Study interactions between endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial stress, and inflammatory signaling.
• Examine mechanisms of organ cross‑talk between the heart, vasculature, and brain.
• Utilize in vitro and in vivo models, including inflammatory and aging‑related models.
• Perform molecular, cellular, and biochemical assays, including qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, ECIS, permeability assays, and mitochondrial functional analyses.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and scientific writing.
• Participate in collaborative meetings, seminars, and journal clubs.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the research mission of the laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cardiovascular biology, neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience or strong interest in BBB biology, neuroinflammation, endothelial function, mitochondrial biology, or aging.
• Experience with mouse models is preferred but not required.
• Strong motivation for an academic research career.

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

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