Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology Han Lab

Posting Details

Position Details

Title

Postdoctoral Fellow, Biology Han Lab

Appointment Status

Non-Tenure Track

Department

IU Bloomington Biology

Location

Bloomington

Position Summary

The department of Biology is a large, unified department with
strong undergraduate degrees, nationally-ranked graduate programs,
and world-class research spanning the breadth of biological
questions and experimental systems – from ecosystems to
microbiology and developmental biology, from evolution to cell
biology, from molecular biology to systems biology, bioinformatics,
genomics, and biotechnologies. It is always an exciting time for
Biology – enormous advances in global genome analysis coupled with
unprecedented developments in interdisciplinary research have made
the 21st century the Century of Biology. For more information about
the department, you can find it here: About: Department
of Biology: Indiana University Bloomington .

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and
provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring.
See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which
includes contact information.

Basic Qualifications

The Han Lab in the Department of Biology at Indiana University,
Bloomington is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Our lab focuses on studying the biology of spatial RNA localization
in neurons using cell lines, Drosophila, and mice as
biological systems. We develop cutting-edge tools and technologies
at the interface of molecular biology, chemical biology, and CRISPR
for RNA localization profiling, imaging, as well as manipulation.
More about Han Lab Research can be found at our lab website . The
overarching goal for this position is to make timely progress on
our NIH DP1 project on
Interrogating RNA localization and local translation during
synaptic plasticity induced by opioid use disorder . We
welcome talented, creative, and highly motivated individuals who
thrive in an exciting, collaborative research environment.

Core job duties include:

(1) To set up and maintain the oral oxycodone self-administration
mouse model. This is an established mouse model, and we need to
maintain 20-30 modeled mice at a time. The candidate must have
experience in mouse experiments including brain dissection,
immunofluorescence imaging of mouse brain slices, and AAV injection
of the mouse brain.

(2) To perform synaptosome isolation (protocol has been
established) and subsequent RNA /protein analysis. A candidate with
experience of RNA experiments (smFISH and RNA -seq) is
preferred.

(3) To mentor graduate students and teach other lab members on
mouse experiments and techniques. The candidate must show strong
independent research skills (literature reading, experimental
design, data analysis, and troubleshooting) and collaborative
working style.

(4) To draft manuscripts, animal protocols, and research proposals.
The candidate must be honest, responsible, and efficient in
research.

Education requirement:

The candidate must have obtained a Ph.D. in Biology or a related
field or be on track to complete the degree within the coming year.
Ph.D. must be obtained before position can begin.

Required skills:

· Mouse breeding, maintenance, and brain dissection

· Mouse brain slice staining and imaging

· AAV injection of mouse brains

Preferred skills:

· Synaptosome preparation from mouse brains

· RNA purification and library prep

· RNA -seq data analysis

· Substance-use-disorder-related research experience

Department Contact for Questions

To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter describing your
research and educational background, your career goals, why you are
interested in this position, and the date you are available to
start, (2) a CV or resume including lists of publications, research
experience, and skills, and (3) the names and contact info of three
references. Please submit the required documents at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34774
. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Mengting Han
( hanmt@iu.edu ) or Dr.
Rongbing Huang (rohuang@iu.edu).

Timing and Compensation: Review of applicants will begin
December 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Ideal
start date is June 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for 1 year,
and reappointment for up to 4 years is contingent upon satisfactory
performance. Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance
with NIH and Indiana University postdoctoral guidelines.

Additional Qualifications

Salary and Rank

Special Instructions

For Best Consideration Date

12/01/2026

Expected Start Date

06/01/2027

Posting Number

IU-101753-2026