The Zhu Laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is dedicated to understanding the metabolic interactions in the inflamed gut. We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to study the following areas: 1) how beneficial gut commensal bacteria survive drastic changes in the nutritional environment during intestinal inflammation and how their survival strategies impact host immune status; 2) rational engineering of an obligate anaerobic bacterium to survive oxygen in the inflamed gut; 3) how an enteric bacterial pathogen rewires host metabolism to promote carcinogenesis in the gut. For more information, please go to our lab website: https://www.vumc.org/zhu-lab/home . 

The Zhu lab is located in Nashville, Tennessee, a music and cultural landmark filled with outdoor activities, amazing food, and professional sports. Our research projects are funded by NIH (NIGMS, NIDDK) awards, The G. Harold & Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation, the V Foundation, and an additional private Foundation.

Highly motivated applicants with a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degrees) and strong interests in microbiology, bacterial physiology/genetics/pathogenesis, and mouse disease models are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a combined pdf file containing your CV, cover letter (a brief description of research interests and experience), and the contact information of 3 referees to Dr. Wenhan Zhu (Wenhan.Zhu@vumc.org). Review of applications will begin immediately until these positions are filled. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers a comprehensive salary program, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages applications from under-represented groups. The training process is greatly aided by a vibrant, intense, and highly collaborative environment at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.