Position Details
Title Assistant Research Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology Specific Title Appointment Type Scientist Track Faculty Department IUSM - Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology Campus IU School of Medicine Indianapolis Position Summary
The Sankar Laboratory and the Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology at Indiana University School of Medicine are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead studies within a newly funded NIH project investigating cell-intrinsic pain mechanisms in osteoarthritis (OA). This interdisciplinary project will use global and conditional knockout mouse models to investigate sensory neuron and joint cell-intrinsic roles of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CAMKK2) in OA pain using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics of the joint. The project will also employ cutting-edge 3D light-sheet microscopy to map sensory neuron dynamics and inflammation during OA progression and mechanistic signaling studies in the dorsal root ganglion.
Applicants should hold a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in musculoskeletal biology, neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field. We seek a passionate, self-driven, and collaborative scientist with relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience and demonstrated expertise in OA, musculoskeletal and single cell transcriptomics, transgenic mouse models and colony management, animal surgery or behavioral phenotyping, molecular signaling, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics. Experience in pain research is desirable but not required. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. The successful candidate is expected to drive research projects with a high degree of independence, analyze and integrate complex datasets, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, and mentor junior laboratory members. Candidates will be considered based on their overall experience, scientific productivity, technical expertise, and potential to advance this interdisciplinary program.
The Scientist will join the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, a vibrant and supportive multidisciplinary community offering outstanding collaborative opportunities and access to advanced genomics, imaging, computational, and animal research resources. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Medicine provides a highly collaborative biomedical research environment in an affordable and dynamic city with a growing life sciences sector and excellent quality of life.
Please apply with a cover letter of interest, along with a detailed CV, copies of any relevant publications, and names/addresses of three references.
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 largest concentrations of health sciences companies in the nation. 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, being named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years.
Information about the Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology is available at:
https://medicine.iu.edu/anatomy-cell-biology-physiology
Information about the Indiana University School of Medicine is available at:
Basic Qualifications
PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in musculoskeletal biology, neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field
Department Contact for Questions
Dr. Uma Sankar (usankar@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications Special Instructions Priority Application Review Deadline Expected Start Date Posting Number IUSM-02543-2026
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