The laboratory of Dr. Carol Witczak in the Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) is searching for a postdoctoral appointee to join our research team. The Witczak lab has broad interests in the mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle metabolism under physiological, pathological, and pharmacological conditions, such as exercise, type 2 diabetes, and weight loss drug therapies.

The Witczak laboratory uses state-of-the-art technologies, novel pharmacological/chemical reagents, and tissue-specific mutant mouse models to investigate the underlying mechanisms controlling muscle growth and metabolic flux. The projects are multidisciplinary with excellent opportunities for advanced training and scientific development.

Current projects funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) include: 1) determining the role of glucose in the regulation of muscle hypertrophic growth; 2) identifying the glucose transporter(s) activated by resistance training in muscle; and 3) examining the connections between glucometabolic flux and the muscle transcriptome. For more information see: https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty-labs/witczak

Successful candidates will have recently completed PhD training, possess a strong background in type 2 diabetes, metabolism, and/or skeletal muscle physiology, have extensive experience working with mouse models, and have a strong publication record. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced research environment, working closely with Dr. Witczak and other members of the laboratory while also contributing independently to ongoing and new research projects. Responsibilities include developing and implementing novel research methods, conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments, planning and managing research projects, interpreting data, preparing presentations and peer-reviewed publications, assisting with laboratory management, training personnel, and contributing to grant applications. The Principal Investigator is committed to supporting the candidate’s scientific and professional development by fostering grant submissions, providing opportunities to attend and present at scientific conferences, and encouraging exploration of new research directions and collaborations. Salary and benefits are provided in accordance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines.

The Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology has the dedicated mission of improving human health. It houses cutting-edge biomedical research programs focused on a variety of diseases/disorders, including osteoporosis, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, etc. The department has a long history of synthesizing different subdisciplines of the life sciences—including cell and molecular biology, genetics, biophysics and physiology, anatomical structure, histology, neuroscience, and imaging—to solve complex health problems from a basic science perspective. This integration of diverse disciplines provides a rich scientific environment for biomedical researchers. More information about the Department is available at: https://medicine.iu.edu/anatomy-cell-biology-physiology

The Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health (ICMH) has the mission to discover and develop new treatments, cures, preventative strategies, diagnostic tools and technologies to address the increasing burden of bone, muscle and cartilage disorders. The ICMH is an integrated research facility and consists of core facilities directed towards the study of muscle-bone interactions. The facilities include full-service histology, microscopy (fluorescent, confocal, and electron), tissue culture, animal surgery and imaging rooms, providing a rich scientific environment for basic science and translational research of the musculoskeletal system. More information about the ICMH is available at:

The Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the IU School of Medicine (CDMD) has the mission to foster knowledge, support training, and promote basic and translational research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The CDMD is an integrated research facility and highly collaborative environment that promotes learning and encourages interaction amongst investigators and trainees. More information about the CDMD is available at: https://medicine.iu.edu/research-centers/diabetes

The Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana. More information about IUSM is available at: https://medicine.iu.edu

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the largest concentrations of health sciences companies in the nation. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life – the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city, and surrounding suburbs, enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities, paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport, being named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years.

Minimum Education: PhD in biomedical sciences (e.g., biochemistry, physiology, metabolism) is required.
The candidate must be willing to work with and handle mice. Research experience in type 2 diabetes, metabolism or skeletal muscle physiology, and experience characterizing mouse models is required.

Dr. Carol Witczak @ cwitczak@iu.edu