The David Braley Research Institute, affiliated with McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow to join the internationally recognized laboratory of Dr. Marc Jeschke, Professor of Surgery at McMaster University and Vice President, Research & Innovation at Hamilton Health Sciences.
Our laboratory conducts innovative translational research to understand and attenuate trauma-induced hypermetabolism, immunometabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and sepsis following severe burn and traumatic injury. By integrating mechanistic basic science with clinical research, we aim to develop novel therapies that improve survival, functional recovery, and long-term outcomes for critically ill patients.
Our laboratory recently demonstrated that adipose tissue browning is a key driver of post-burn hypermetabolism and adverse long-term clinical outcomes, fundamentally changing our understanding of metabolic dysfunction following severe injury. Building on these discoveries, our current research focuses on identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying adipose tissue remodeling and immunometabolism and developing novel therapeutic interventions that can be translated into clinical practice.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative translational research environment with access to one of the world's largest burn and trauma research programs, an extensive clinical registry and biobank, and state-of-the-art core facilities. The laboratory offers excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations, high-impact publications, and career development.
About Our Laboratory
The Jeschke Laboratory is internationally recognized for its contributions to burn biology, hypermetabolism, inflammation, sepsis, and critical care research. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where trainees are encouraged to develop independence, publish in high-impact journals, pursue fellowship funding, and establish successful academic careers.
About the Department of Surgery
Over its 50+ year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We are a Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a creative mindset and powered by our people.
The successful candidate will be bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.
This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:
C.R.E.A.T.E.
Culture that includes
Research that impacts
Education that inspires
Advancement for all
Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship
Excellence in patient care
Job Description:
We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and collaborative scientist with a strong interest in translational biomedical research.
As a member of our multidisciplinary research team, the successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research investigating the role of adipose tissue, immunometabolism, inflammation, and adipose-derived mediators following severe burn injury. These studies aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that improve patient outcomes and facilitate the development of precision medicine approaches for critically ill patients.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with clinicians, scientists, engineers, and trainees across Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University while contributing to a highly productive research environment.
Skills and Qualifications:
Applicants should possess:
PhD (or MD/PhD) in Cell Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
Strong background in metabolism, lipid biology, adipose tissue biology, immunology, or related fields.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
Flow cytometry, including multicolour immune cell phenotyping and cell sorting
Immune cell biology and immunometabolism (in vitro and/or in vivo)
Biochemical techniques (Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, ELISA, etc.)
Primary cell culture
Rodent models
Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, gene expression analysis)
Tissue processing and histology
Confocal or fluorescence microscopy
Mitochondrial respiration assays and metabolic stress testing
Metabolomics, proteomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, or other multi-omics approaches (considered strong assets)
The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:
A strong publication record appropriate to career stage
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Scientific curiosity, initiative, and attention to detail
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Duration and Funding
The fellowship is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.
