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Req Id: 42042
Job Title: Post Doc Research Assistant
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
We seek a postdoc who will develop an emerging research area at the interface of lipid and iron transport/metabolism. Approximately half time will be spent working in the Murray-Kolb lab to participate in several ongoing human trials, designed to assess the relation between iron status and cognitive functioning, mood, and quality of life. As part of these studies, the postdoc will gain a deeper knowledge of iron metabolism and learn the many factors that play a role in iron absorption as well as factors that must be considered to appropriately assess and accurately categorize an individual's iron status. Working in the Murray-Kolb lab will also provide skills and knowledge in iron biomarkers, what each of them represents, when to choose which ones to measure, based on the study question, and how to measure them. Finally, the postdoc will learn how to design and carry out human clinical trials. These skills, coupled with those developed in the Henderson lab (see below), will position the postdoc well for future faculty positions. This individual will have a unique understanding of both lipid metabolism (see below) as well as iron metabolism and how to conduct studies using animal models and humans. The postdoc will also be one of the few investigators at the forefront of studying the interface between iron and lipid metabolism and may be the only one who will have received formal training in both areas.
Additional Information
Approximately half time will be spent studying the regulation of free fatty acid (FFA) uptake and release from cells. This work will be conducted in the Henderson lab. Albumin has been considered to be the main carrier of FFAs in blood for decades, and the Henderson lab has discovered that lipoproteins (cholesterol carrier) and transferrin (an iron carrier) also appear to carry FFAs in the circulation. In the time spent working on FFA transport (approximately 0.5 FTE), the postdoc will study how albumin, lipoproteins (low density and high density lipoproteins), and transferrin may promote accelerated FFA release from adipocytes and uptake into other cell types (e.g., hepatocytes). These studies will be carried out in mouse adipose tissue explants and cultured cells. The postdoc will study how high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein, in the presence or absence of albumin, alter the regulation of FFA release and uptake, using kinetic assays and molecular techniques. Transferrin (a carrier of iron and FFAs) will also be studied, benchmarked against the results for albumin and lipoproteins. The work on transferrin will develop the collaboration between Drs. Murray-Kolb and Henderson, ultimately helping the labs establish a long-term collaboration for developing this new research area at the crossroads of macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism. The level of iron load on transferrin (transferrin saturation) will be explored to better understand how it impacts FFA transport by this protein, and how FFA loading of transferrin impacts its ability to transport iron. FFA levels vary substantially with changes in nutrition and metabolic health, and transferrin's iron binding changes with iron deficiency and iron overload; thus, studying the relationship between these factors is highly relevant to human health.
In addition to the above scientific contributions and training, the postdoc will receive additional training in research, teaching, and outreach. Drs. Henderson and Murray-Kolb are dedicated to helping the postdoc develop strong proficiency in each of the following areas. Research Skills and Scientific Thinking: Drs. Henderson and Murray-Kolb each hold weekly lab meetings with all lab members with regular "journal club" presentations. The postdoc will regularly present and critique published literature. Weekly 1:1 meetings as well as regular meetings with both mentors present will be held to support the postdoc's scientific development. Communication: The postdoc will be encouraged to regularly present at conferences on campus and at scientific society conferences, an experience that will develop oral presentation skills. Written communication skills will be developed through supporting writing of a postdoctoral fellow grant application. Experience in communicating to a variety of audiences, such as mentoring students in the laboratory, will also be provided. Leadership: The postdoc will be given a leadership role in his research projects, to further develop skills in coordinating with multiple contributors. The postdoc will also be encouraged to seek out leadership opportunities through organizations on campus and in professional societies. Project Management: The postdoc will be mentored in developing project timelines, breaking down complex tasks, time management, managing data, and record keeping.
Application Materials
1. Cover letter (highlighting interest, qualifications, and scholarly goals)
2. CV
3. Names and contact information for 3 references
4. Writing sample
The priority deadline is May 27, 2026, but all applications will be considered until the position is filled. The ideal start date is July 1, 2026 but other dates will be considered. This appointment is funded for one year from date of hire. Questions about the position can be addressed to Dr. Murray-Kolb (lmurrayk@purdue.edu) or Dr. Henderson (gchender@purdue.edu).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology, or related field. Degree conferred by the expected start date.
• Ability to work independently and as an interdisciplinary team member

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent academic writing ability.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented work style.
• Statistical proficiency (SAS and R preferred).

Background Check
A background check is required for employment in this position.
Equal Opportunity
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.