Postdoctoral Researcher or scientist

The Bhatnagar Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist to join a research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate pancreatic β-cell function, insulin secretion, and β-cell dysfunction in diabetes.

Our laboratory integrates molecular biology, advanced imaging, mouse genetics, and human islet studies to investigate signaling pathways that control β-cell maturation and secretory function. Current projects focus on mechanisms regulating SNARE-mediated insulin granule exocytosis, β-cell proliferation and maturation, and the role of adhesion GPCR signaling pathways in metabolic disease. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaboration across the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center, one of the leading diabetes research environments in the United States.

• Regulation of β-cell functional maturation and proliferation
• Mechanisms controlling insulin granule exocytosis and SNARE complex biology
• Adhesion GPCR signaling in β-cell biology
• β-cell dysfunction and incretin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes
• Integration of mouse models and human islet studies

• Design and execute independent research projects aligned with ongoing NIH-funded studies
• Perform molecular, cellular, and physiological experiments to investigate β-cell signaling pathways
• Utilize mouse models of metabolic disease and conduct studies in primary human islets
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental datasets
• Contribute to high-impact publications and grant applications
• Mentor graduate students and research trainees in the laboratory
• Present research findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences

Experience in several of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Cell and molecular biology
• Confocal and advanced fluorescence imaging
• Islet biology and insulin secretion assays
• Mouse metabolic phenotyping
• Protein biochemistry and signaling pathways
• Transcriptomics (RNA-seq / single-cell analysis)

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cell biology, physiology, endocrinology, molecular biology, or related field
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research

• Background in metabolism, diabetes, or endocrine biology
• Experience with animal models or primary human tissue

• Opportunity to work in a collaborative and highly interactive diabetes research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities, including advanced imaging, genomics, metabolomics, and mouse phenotyping
• Strong mentorship and support for career development and independent funding