Indiana University

Position Summary

The Wallings Lab at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our innovative research team. Our lab focuses on the role of an aging immune system in neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific focus on immune cell exhaustion and immunosenescence in the peripheral immune system. Our long-term research mission is to leverage such mechanisms to develop more effective immunomodulatory interventions that delay or halt neurodegeneration.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team to investigate the role of immune cell exhaustion and gene-by-environment interactions in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The fellow will work on a BrightFocus Foundation–funded project focused on understanding how progranulin deficiency, immune cell exhaustion, and dietary influences intersect to drive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. This work leverages cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and animal model approaches with direct translational relevance to FTD through work with patient samples.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments investigating immune cell exhaustion and neuroimmune interactions in the context of progranulin deficiency and FTD.
• Employ cutting-edge approaches including flow cytometry, spatial proteomics, transcriptomics, confocal microscopy and biochemical assays.
• Utilize mouse models and patient-derived samples to explore how genetic and dietary factors contribute to immune dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
• Perform statistical analyses, data integration, and interpretation of complex datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and presentation of research findings at meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with team members across disciplines and mentor junior researchers or students when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards, and contribute to a collaborative and innovative lab environment.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of health sciences companies. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life – the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues, and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city and surrounding suburbs enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport that has been named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in Indy: https://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/relocation

Basic Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Candidates must have an MD/PHD or Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Immunology or a related field prior to the start of the appointment.

Skills Requirements

• Prior experience in neuroimmunology-related research is highly desirable
• Strong background in flow cytometry and multi-omics approaches (spatial proteomics, transcriptomics)
• Strong background in statistical data analysis
• Excellent communication, organizational skills and written skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Skills Preferences

• Familiarity with neurodegeneration research and preclinical models of FTD/AD
• Experience with behavioral testing

Department Contact for Questions

beckwall@iu.edu

Additional Qualifications