Postdoctoral Researcher in Cardiovascular Systems and Molecular Physiology

Who We Are

The NIH-funded Nystoriak Lab deciphers how metabolic and redox signals sculpt ion-channel behavior, myocardial perfusion, and cardiac rhythm from development through advanced age. Our multidisciplinary toolkit spans in vivo imaging and microsurgery, high-resolution electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, -omics pipelines, and computational protein modeling. MMRI (Utica, NY) offers state-of-the-art core facilities and a vibrant, collaborative research community only a short drive from New York City, Boston, Montréal, and the Adirondacks.

Your Mission

• Design & drive high-impact projects that illuminate the molecular choreography of cardiovascular function.
• Leverage in vivo and ex vivo models—including advanced microsurgery, perfused heart, and slice preparations—to connect molecular events to whole-organ physiology.
• Integrate structural predictions with electrophysiological, pharmacological, and biochemical data to reveal structure–function relationships.
• Disseminate discoveries through first-author publications and presentations at premier international meetings.
• Mentor &  collaborate with a diverse team of trainees and external partners, shaping both lab culture and the field’s future.

What You Bring

• PhD completed (or completion expected within 6 months) in physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related cardiovascular discipline.
• A solid experimental foundation in at least two of the following: cardiac or vascular physiology, cellular electrophysiology, molecular cloning & mutagenesis, biochemical assay development, in vivo imaging, or high-resolution microscopy.
• First-author publications demonstrating creativity, productivity, and rigorous data interpretation.
• Bonus strengths (not required but highly valued):
  • Computational modeling of protein structure/function (AlphaFold, Rosetta, MD)
  • High-throughput screening or drug-discovery workflows
  • Omics-scale data integration (RNA-seq, proteomics, metabolomics)
• A growth mindset, scientific curiosity, and enthusiasm for team-based discovery.

What We Offer

• Competitive NIH-scale salary plus comprehensive benefits from day one.
• Cutting-edge instrumentation with expert core support.
• Personalized career-development plans, grant-writing workshops, and seed-funding mechanisms.
• A culture that values balance—bold science, open collaboration, and room for life beyond the bench.
• Affordable living in New York’s scenic Mohawk Valley with four-season outdoor recreation and easy weekend travel to major Northeast hubs.

Ready to Join?

Email a single PDF including (i) a cover letter describing your research vision and career goals, (ii) your CV, and (iii) contact information for three referees to mnystoriak@mmri.edu with the subject line “Postdoc—Cardiovascular Systems & Molecular Physiology.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; start dates are flexible.

MMRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive research community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share our passion for advancing health.

Requirements

• A recent or pending PhD in the biological sciences or related fields.
• A research background in cell and molecular biology, cardiovascular physiology, or pharmacology, and experience with standard workflows within these fields.
• Experience with mouse microsurgery and in vivo imaging, including data acquisition and analyses, are highly desirable.
• Experience with experimental rodent models.
• Demonstrated productivity in the form of first author publications and presentations
• Excitement to tackle difficult scientific questions in areas that will involve significant development of technical and analytical workflows
• Scientific creativity to identify novel approaches to answer our research questions
• Graduating in December 2024? Still a good time to apply!

Experience with any of the following:

• Experimental execution, performance, and data collection
• Research Protocol
• Scientific Terminology
• Flexible – ability to change directions as needed for the benefit of laboratory.
• Performance Excellence – high responsibility, pleasant to work with, provides timely and accurate information.
• Organized – manages time effectively, keeps tasks appropriately prioritized.
• Critical Thinking – ability to think through issues and identify appropriate options.
• Work Ethic – motivated, diligent, industrious, and persistent in the workplace, stays on tasks to completion, works at a fast pace to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Interpersonal – can build effective, strong working relationships with colleagues and management through trust, communication, and credibility.
• Teamwork – ability to work with others, serve others, help others, take directions from others in the interest of moving process and programs forward to the desired outcome

For any role:

• A general love of science and all the challenges that come with it.
• Excitement to tackle challenging, multidisciplinary scientific questions in areas involving development of technical and analytical workflows.
• Scientific creativity to identify and evaluate novel approaches to answer our research questions.
• A hard working and collegial attitude
• A desire to work in a relatively informal, highly collaborative, and scientifically rigorous team-centered laboratory environment.