Position Summary
Postdoctoral Scholar
Hormone Homeostasis, Drug Metabolism, and Women's Health
Michigan State University
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Department of Biomedical Engineering
The laboratory of Dr. Brian P. Johnson at Michigan State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a multidisciplinary research team investigating how female hormonal state influences the metabolism, efficacy, and safety of medicines throughout the body.
This position is supported by the NIH Computational Modeling of Hormone Homeostasis initiative and will focus on generating experimental data needed to understand how changing endocrine states alter tissue-specific drug responses in women. The successful candidate will work closely with a collaborative team of endocrinologists, toxicologists, engineers, and computational scientists, while leading experimental studies at the interface of women's health, drug metabolism, and endocrine biology.
Research Overview
Women experience significant physiological changes across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These hormonal changes can alter the way medicines are metabolized and how tissues respond to therapeutic interventions. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain poorly understood.
The successful candidate will help develop human-relevant experimental models to determine how endocrine state influences drug metabolism and tissue-specific responses, with particular emphasis on:
• Thyroid hormone signaling and homeostasis
• Adipose tissue metabolism and energy balance
• Interactions between reproductive hormones and drug metabolism pathways
• Human cell-based and microphysiological systems
• Tissue-specific responses to pharmaceutical compounds under different hormonal conditions
• Generation of quantitative experimental data to support predictive models of drug efficacy and safety in women
Research in the Johnson Laboratory aims to improve our understanding of how hormonal state impacts medicine response across a woman's life course and ultimately support the development of more precise and effective therapeutics. [Johnson Models Aim 4 | Word], [Project Su...9-2026_EOV | Word]
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral scholar will:
• Design and conduct mechanistic studies in thyroid and adipose tissue models
• Develop and optimize advanced human cell culture systems
• Perform experiments examining how hormonal state alters drug metabolism and pharmacologic responses
• Generate and analyze molecular, imaging, metabolic, and biochemical datasets
• Contribute experimental data and biological insight to a large interdisciplinary research effort
• Collaborate with investigators across endocrinology, toxicology, engineering, and computational modeling disciplines
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research at national and international scientific meetings
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Cell Biology, Endocrinology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
• Strong record of scientific productivity and peer-reviewed publication
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and experimental design
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
• Primary mammalian cell culture (highly desirable)
• Primary adipocyte culture, adipose tissue biology, or metabolic disease research (highly desirable)
• Stem cell-derived tissue models
• Endocrinology, hormone signaling, or reproductive biology
• Thyroid biology and thyroid hormone signaling
• Drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Cell Biology, Endocrinology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
Minimum Requirements
Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Cell Biology, Endocrinology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field
Desired Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Strong record of scientific productivity and peer-reviewed publication
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and experimental design
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
• Primary mammalian cell culture (highly desirable)
• Primary adipocyte culture, adipose tissue biology, or metabolic disease research (highly desirable)
• Stem cell-derived tissue models
• Endocrinology, hormone signaling, or reproductive biology
• Thyroid biology and thyroid hormone signaling
• Drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, or toxicology
Required Application Materials
Updated CV
Cover Letter
3 Professional References
Review of Applications Begins On
10/09/2026
Summary of Health Risks
Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal
Precautions
TB risk or work within 3 feet of human patients in a health care setting or have potential exposure to animals
or to specimens with Mycobacterium.
Risks that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as exposure to doxins, PFAS, Estrogenicand Androgeniccompoundsect
Website
https://iq.msu.edu/brian-johnson/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
