Postdoctoral Scholar

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to study neural and cellular mechanisms regulating energy and glucose homeostasis in health and disease. The role focuses on the hypothalamus and neural circuits involved in metabolic regulation, using mouse models and in vitro approaches.

The successful candidate will perform stereotaxic surgery, neural tracing, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms of brain control over glucose homeostasis and

Qualifications

• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Experience with mouse models and metabolism research.
• Strong English written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Investigate neural and cellular mechanisms regulating energy and glucose homeostasis.
• Use mouse models and in vitro studies to study hypothalamic circuits.
• Apply metabolic phenotyping and histological techniques to projects.
• Collaborate across neuroscience, metabolism, and diabetes research teams.

Skills

Metabolic phenotyping

Glucose tolerance testing

Insulin sensitivity studies

Immunohistochemistry

Microscopy

Molecular biology

In vivo metabolic assays

Neural tracing techniques

Stereotaxic surgery in mice

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biology, or a closely related field

Tools

Stereotaxic surgery

Neural tracing

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Postdoctoral Scholar

Requisition Number

DU15089

Department Name

7H700:Dept of Pharmacology & Nutritional Scien

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Type of Position

Other

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biology, or a closely related field

Required Related Experience

• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Research experience and strong interest in neuroscience, metabolism, diabetes, obesity, or related areas.
• Research experience with mouse models.
• Experience studying the hypothalamus or neural regulation of metabolism.
• Experience with neural tracing techniques.
• Experience performing stereotaxic surgery in mice.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.
• Self-motivation, scientific curiosity, and a strong commitment to research.

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Sitting for long periods of time; standing for long periods of time

Shift

Days and some weekends

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team. This position is particularly well suited for a recent PhD graduate with training in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a related field who is interested in understanding the neural and cellular mechanisms regulating energy and glucose homeostasis in health and disease.

The selected postdoctoral fellow will use a multidisciplinary approach combining mouse models and in vitro studies to investigate mechanisms by which the brain regulates glucose homeostasis. The research will focus on understanding these mechanisms in the context of normal metabolic physiology, diabetes, and obesity, with an emphasis on the role of the hypothalamus and neural circuits involved in metabolic regulation.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Experience with metabolic phenotyping, glucose tolerance testing, insulin sensitivity studies, or related in vivo metabolic assays.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, microscopy, molecular biology, or related techniques.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Experience with metabolic phenotyping, glucose tolerance testing, insulin sensitivity studies, or related in vivo metabolic assays.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, microscopy, molecular biology, or related techniques.
• Candidates who are recent PhD graduates and have a strong publication record, scientific motivation, and transferable research skills are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Training will be provided for techniques that are new to the successful candidate.

Deadline to Apply

11/13/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.