Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Louisiana State University; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Paid holidays

Job summary

Louisiana State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Fan Zhang laboratory. The role focuses on how synthetic microbial communities reprogram host metabolism and endocrine signaling to shape reproduction and lifespan in C. elegans.

The candidate will apply C. elegans genetics, microbial communities, and metabolomics analyses, with imaging to uncover molecular mechanisms. The position offers independence and collaboration opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, or related field.
• Experience with molecular biology and imaging techniques is required.
• Strong publication record preferred for career stage.

Responsibilities

• Develop an NIH-funded research project to understand host microbiome interactions using C. elegans as a model.
• Supervise and train lab members and students.
• Collaborate across disciplines to study microbial metabolism and host signaling.

Skills

Molecular biology

Imaging techniques

C. elegans genetics

Microbial genetics

Metabolic biology

Bioinformatics

Neuropeptide signaling

Education

PhD in microbiology or related field

Tools

Laboratory techniques

Job description

Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Position Type: Other Academic

Department: LSUAM Science - BioS - System Biology (Fan Zhang (00076795))

Work Location: 0244 Life Sciences Building

Pay Grade: Other Academic

A postdoc associate position is available in the laboratory of Fan Zhang at Louisiana State University. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to study how synthetic microbial community reprogram host metabolism and endocrine signaling to shape reproduction and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. The successful candidate will use C. elegans genetics, synthetic microbial community, metabolic analysis, and imaging approaches to dissect mechanisms linking microbial metabolism to host endocrine signaling. The position offers strong opportunities for independence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 80% Develop an NIH funded research project to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying host microbiome interaction using C. elegans as model organisms.
• 20% Supervise/train/manage other lab members and students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, or related field; with specific Experience with molecular biology and imaging techniques.
• Preferred Experience in Strong publication records appropriate for career stage.
• Highly self-motivated and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively.
• Experience in at least one of the following: C. elegans genetics, microbial genetics, or metabolic biology.
• Experience with neuropeptide signaling, metabolomics/proteomics, imaging, or bioinformatics is a plus.

For questions or concerns regarding the position, please contact Lori Bond at [e-mail].

Posting Date: June 18, 2026 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): October 16, 2026

Additional Position Information:

• Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
• Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Essential Position (Y/N): LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment.

Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.