A Postdoctoral Fellowship on Gut Microbiome and Enteric Nervous system interaction Research Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) Cambridge, MA Description: Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) is building a focused group to pursue state-of-the-art research related to the Human Microbiome. The goal is to understand the basic mechanisms and pathways affected by the gut microbiome and their relevance to human health and disease in selected areas. In this context, we are looking looking for a talented Biologist with a keen interest in understanding the enteric nervous system. The gut has as many neurons as in the brain, and these neurons are likely play important roles in the function of the entire body by regulating metabolism, interacting with the immune system and modulating cognitive function. The research focus will be on the different types of enteric neurons in the gut, how are they functionally distinct/related, and how do they interact with the immune system. The study of the enteric nervous system development, perturbation and its interaction with gut microbiome will likely lead to new approaches for treating a variety of diseases. The experimental approach aims at developing tools for studying these cells and monitoring their responses to the host environment. We will consider candidates with a PhD, MD or an MD/PhD degree and a strong publication record in their previous studies. This positions provides an opportunity to pursue fundamental basic research, to make significant scientific discoveries, and to produce high quality publications. The research will be performed at NIBR and will be jointly mentored by Dr. Jeff Porter (Head, Developmental Pathways, NIBR) and an academic Mentor, Dr. Ramnik Xavier – (Head of Gastroenterology, MGH, Boston and Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA) who is a leader in Microbiome research. NIBR offers a competitive and attractive environment for post-doctoral studies. To be considered, please send your CV and cover letter stating your skills to: pam.bailey@novartis.com About Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research (NIBR) At NIBR, the global research organization of Novartis, we are committed to discovering innovative medicines to cure disease and improve human health. By hiring the best academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical trained scientists, we have fostered an atmosphere for drug discovery where innovation is rewarded. It is ultimately the talent of the individual that determines our success, while our state-of-the-art technologies and resources enable these ideas to be realized.NIBR has sites in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Emeryville, CA; Basel, Switzerland; and Shanghai, China. Our Cambridge, MA, location is the global research headquarters and has focuses in areas including Pathway Biology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Metabolism, Muscle, Epigenetics, Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine. For more information on NIBR and the postdoctoral program, visit: http://www.nibr.com/postdocs/index.shtml The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. Our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.