Postdoctoral Fellow

This project investigates the role of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) metabolism in regulating gut immunity, with a focus on how disruptions in this pathway contribute to disease pathogenesis. This study relies on an integration of model systems, including transgenic and knockout murine models, patient-derived intestinal biopsies, plasma samples, and brain tissue with the aim to define systemic links between metabolic dysfunction and immune dysregulation across the gut–brain axis. A multi-omics approach (e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) will be applied to generate a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of these processes. The work is supported by active collaborations within the Michael J. Fox Foundation consortium and a network of academic partners across Canada and the United States. Ultimately, this project seeks to identify novel metabolic targets for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Fellow will characterize the metabolic-immune interactions across the gut-brain axis and support a research program focused on understanding how lipid metabolism regulates gut immunity and, when dysregulated, contributes to disease.  By working within a collaborative, multi-institutional network, the position helps advance translational discoveries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, and document experimental studies using human and mouse models in support of project objectives.
• Manage mouse colonies and collect, process, and analyze human and mouse intestinal, plasma, and brain tissue samples.
• Generate, analyze, and integrate transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Track, store, and manage biological samples while maintaining accurate records and compliance with biosafety and ethics requirements.
• Coordinate research activities with academic, consortium, and bioinformatics partners, including participation in project meetings and data sharing.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations, and communicate research findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications : 

• PhD with substantial research experience in immunology, neurobiology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, in vivo model systems (e.g., Cre/Lox mice), and multiomics approaches such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, or proteomics.
• Strong knowledge of immune and metabolic pathways and processes, particularly as they relate to disease mechanisms.
• Experience working with human clinical samples and familiarity with bioinformatics or data integration methods.
• Excellent scientific communication skills, including manuscript preparation and presentation, as well as strong organizational, problem-solving, and collaborative abilities to work effectively within multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research teams.

Assets/Job Competencies: The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership  competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information: Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration: Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement: Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
    If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.