The He Lab in the Precision Medicine Program at Midwestern University (Downers Grove) is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join our research program focused on chronic pain and addiction pharmacology.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate may begin as soon as available. The appointment is for up to four years, renewable annually. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to work on our project related to chronic pain and opioid pharmacology. Your responsibilities will be, including but not limited to, designing and carrying out experiments, presenting research results in oral presentations, drafting manuscripts, and mentoring graduate and professional students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and carry out experiments
• Report findings, in oral and written forms, and draft manuscripts
• Maintain detailed and accurate experimental records for publication and reporting purposes
• Participate in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and campus-wise seminars
• Mentor and guide graduate and professional students in the lab
• Present the results at scientific meetings.

Research experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage, but not required.

• Research experience in neuroscience
• Research experience in pain or addiction
• Experience working with rodents
• Experience with optogenetics, chemogenetics, or stereotaxic microinjection

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular in-person attendance Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Ph.D. in a relevant biomedical discipline (e.g., neuroscience, pharmacology, biochemistry, biological psychology, etc.) or evidence of completion by the start date is required. Experience in epigenetics, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry and rodent behavioral studies (e.g., pain or addiction models) will be considered an advantage. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Please include the following in your application: 1) a CV/Resume, 2) a cover letter describing your research background and interest, and 3) the name and contact information of three professional references.

Computer Skills                                               

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and software related to scientific literature, statistical analysis such as GraphPad Prism and graphics.

Other Skills and Ability

Applicants must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; must be highly motivated, productive team players with the ability to adapt to new projects and to work on multiple projects.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit, climb or balance; talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This position is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To apply, please visit midwestern.edu/faculty-and-staff/employment. For primary consideration, applications should be submitted by November 1st, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter.

Information on Midwestern University and its graduate programs is available at www.midwestern.edu. Inquires about the position should be directed to Dr. He at yhe@midwestern.edu.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.