Postdoctoral Scientist - Mohan Lab

TxBiomed; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance and wellness programs

On-site medical clinic

Generous retirement plan

Job summary

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to study the gut-brain axis, intestinal inflammation, and neuroinflammation in HIV/SIV infection. The role focuses on epigenetic changes in colon enterocytes and viral reservoir characterization in SIV-infected macaques on ART, with access to advanced imaging and novel cannabinoid delivery approaches.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD and strong experience in molecular/cellular biology, imaging modalities,

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent in neuroscience, virology, immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or related field.
• Strong background in gastrointestinal dysfunction research and gut-brain axis.
• Hands-on molecular and cellular biology and culture techniques.
• Experience with MRI, PET/CT or related imaging modalities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular and cellular biology experiments.
• Perform and troubleshoot techniques (tissue/cell isolation, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, single-cell sequencing, immunoprecipitation, Western blot).
• Analyze data and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance translational neuroscience research.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Bioinformatics

Single-cell sequencing

Education

PhD in neuroscience/virology/immunology

Tools

MRI/PET/CT imaging

qPCR

Job description

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join our team investigating the gut-brain axis, intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation in HIV/SIV infection. This role focuses on studying epigenetic changes in discrete colon enterocyte populations and characterizing the viral reservoir in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and orally administered minor cannabinoids. This position offers the opportunity to learn and apply novel tools to study epigenetic mechanisms, utilize advanced PET/CT and MRI imaging modalities, and evaluate innovative nanodelivery vehicles for cannabinoid administration in the rhesus macaque model.

Our laboratory is pursuing several exciting research initiatives, including:

• Epigenetic Regulation of the Gut-Brain Axis: Investigating epigenetic mechanisms regulating chronic intestinal inflammation, fibrosis, dysbiosis, and subsequent neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis during HIV/SIV infection under suppressive antiretroviral therapy.
• Targeted Phytocannabinoid Nanodelivery: Developing and evaluating novel nanodelivery approaches to deliver phytocannabinoids directly to intestinal lymphoid, mesenteric adipose, and neuro-mucosal tissues, aiming to achieve more effective suppression of both intestinal and central nervous system inflammation.
• Advanced In Vivo Neuro-Mucosal Imaging: Leveraging PET/CT and MRI modalities to visually track, quantify, and map changes in gastrointestinal and brain tissue inflammation, viral replication kinetics, and anatomical alterations across the gut-brain axis in vivo.

THE ROLE

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular and cellular biology experiments.
• Perform and troubleshoot a broad range of laboratory techniques, including:
  • Tissue and cell isolation
  • DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR
  • Molecular cloning
  • Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-seq/ATAC-seq
  • Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
  • Luciferase reporter assays
  • Multi-color flow cytometry
  • Insitu hybridization and immunofluorescence
  • Bioinformatic and statistical data analysis
• Analyze, interpret, and present research findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance translational neuroscience research.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will possess:

• A PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, virology, immunology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• A strong background in gastrointestinal dysfunction research, preferably focusing on microbiome dysbiosis, enteric nervous system pathology, and the gut-brain, gut-liver, and mesenteric adipose tissue axes.
• Hands‑on experience with molecular and cellular biology and cell/organoid culture techniques.
• Experience with technologies such as MRI, PET/CT or related imaging modalities (data acquisition and/or analysis) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, and communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to contribute innovative ideas to guide research projects are highly desirable.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Enjoy an employee‑centered culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, and trust. We believe in working hard and having fun, offering 100+ culture events each year to bring our team together and keep the energy strong!
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family—including pet insurance options.
• Competitive employer‑funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one, increasing with years of service.
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and a paid Winter Recess (from the last week of December through New Year’s).
• Paid time off for short‑term illness and mental wellness, helping you take the time you need when life happens.
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage giving back to the community.
• Paid parental leave to support you and your growing family.
• Flexible work arrangements that support a strong work‑life balance.
• On‑site medical clinic, wellness incentives, and prescription support programs designed to make care more accessible and affordable.
• On‑site fitness center and wellness programs to help you stay active and healthy.
• Relaxed dress code so you can feel comfortable and be yourself at work.
• Dynamic learning environment with professional development opportunities, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership programs to support your growth.
• Proud recipient of the 2025 Healthy Workplace Platinum Recognition from the San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH)—the highest honor for employee‑focused wellness initiatives.

WHO WE ARE

• Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting‑edge technologies.
• Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:
• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally‑designated National Primate Research Center
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity! Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.