Biomedical Researcher

About the Position

The Akchurin Laboratory at the University of Rochester Medical Center is seeking a motivated Research Specialist or Postdoctoral Research Associate for an NIH-funded research program investigating the role of iron metabolism in kidney disease. Research focuses on understanding how altered iron handling contributes to kidney injury, fibrosis, and anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Interests include the interactions between iron metabolism, immune cells, and renal tissue, and how these pathways can be targeted to improve patient outcomes. Current projects investigate the effects of iron availability and intracellular iron handling on chronic kidney injury, including the roles of macrophages, renal tubular cells, and molecular pathways regulating iron storage and transport.

Research Environment

Work integrates experimental models of kidney disease using various molecular and cellular biology techniques, flow cytometry, cell culture, and analysis of human biospecimens. The laboratory combines mechanistic studies with clinically relevant questions. Values include scientific curiosity, initiative, motivation, independence, and a collaborative approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments.
• Conduct studies using experimental models of kidney disease, including mouse models and cell culture systems.
• Perform flow cytometry, including sample preparation, immunophenotyping, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate iron metabolism, inflammation, and kidney injury.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and contribute to research presentations and publications.
• Participate in laboratory organization and maintenance, research protocol development, and training of junior laboratory members.
• Collaborate with other researchers and institutional core facilities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including experimental preparation, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, physiology, or a related biomedical field.
• Basic statistical analysis skills, experience analyzing experimental data.
• Strong motivation to conduct research, learn new techniques, and contribute to scientific discovery.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and collaborate effectively within a research team.
• Outstanding organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, scientific integrity, and responsible conduct of research.

Qualifications

Educational Background: Candidates with bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in relevant scientific disciplines will be considered. A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree is required for appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly welcome:

• Iron metabolism, kidney biology, inflammation, or tissue fibrosis.
• Experience with tissue dissociation and isolation of viable primary cells from tissues.
• Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Mouse models of human disease and animal experimentation.
• Cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Bioinformatics / computational analysis of large-scale biological data.
• First-author publications.

Note: Prior experience in kidney disease or iron biology is an advantage but not required. Enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a strong commitment to research are desired.