JOB DESCRIPTION
Innovations in Health Sciences (IHS) is committed to advancing innovative solutions that promote health, wellness, and disease prevention, enhance early detection, and deliver accessible precision medicine for prevalent health challenges in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and beyond. IHS aim to be the leading authority on healthcare access and social determinants of health that impact health outcomes in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, with the goal of developing policies, practices, and interventions that improve health and well-being for all.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
IHS is looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers who are committed to advancing impactful, mission-driven science contributing to the Center’s growing research ecosystem of interdisciplinary health research.
The postdoctoral researcher will join a 24 months project named circulating free-mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels increase sequentially with cardiovascular kidney metabolic (CKM) syndrome staging (0–4), focused on pathophysiology of circulating mitochondrial in cardiovascular kidney metabolic syndrome, with the goal of generating new insights into non-invasive “liquid biopsy” for CKM, which could allow clinicians to identify patients with “mitochondrial decompensation” who may benefit most from mitochondrial-protective therapies before irreversible cardiorenal failure occurs. The project aims to establish whether circulating mtDNA profiles reflect CKM disease progression, are modified by renal filtration capacity, and correlate with clinically meaningful endpoints, including echocardiographic congestion, exercise tolerance, and systemic inflammation. Working within a multidisciplinary team at IHS, the postdoc will contribute to study design, data generation and analysis, etc, and the preparation of scientific outputs that directly advance the project’s research aims and broader institutional priorities.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Roles & responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be the driving force behind the project’s success and will be expected to:
- Perform research projects as directed; responsible for the collection, analysis and interpretation of research data related to the project.
- Submit manuscripts and abstracts for publication to peer review journals and presentations at local, national and international conferences.
- Perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to, correspondence, attending meetings, database maintenance, maintaining records, charts.
- Analyze data using custom bioinformatics tools.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues
- Provides technical direction to research staff; teach courses or help doctoral students in the biomedical sciences – CHS; Mentorship including assist in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project.
Expected Deliverables:
- At least 2 peer-reviewed manuscripts prepared or submitted
- At least 1 external grant submitted
- Mentorship of undergraduate, graduate, resident, or junior research assistants involved in the project
- Research training workshop or journal club related to mtDNA biology, CKM syndrome, biomarker science, or data analysis
Qualification:
- PhD, MD-PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, cardiovascular science, nephrology research, metabolic disease research, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in at least one of the following areas:
mitochondrial biology, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease, molecular biomarkers, liquid biopsy, inflammation, renal physiology, cardiovascular physiology, or translational medicine. - Experience with molecular biology techniques relevant to biomarker research, such as DNA extraction, qPCR, cfDNA/cf-mtDNA quantification, sample processing, assay validation, or biobanking.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including ability to manage research datasets and perform statistical analysis using tools such as STATA, SPSS, or equivalent software.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams involving clinicians, laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, research coordinators, and trainees.
- Demonstrated scientific writing ability, including prior peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, conference presentations, or grant-related writing.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate research records, databases, and project timelines.
- Good command of written and spoken English for academic writing, presentations, and collaboration.
Appointment Details:
- Salary: Competitive, in the range of 15,000 – 20,000 USD per annum, commensurate with experience.
- Contract: The position is offered on a yearly contract basis. The initial contract is renewed, typically for one year, subject to availability of funds, project needs, satisfactory performance, and approval from IHS.
- Principal Investigator: A successful candidate will work under management of Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, whose research focuses on pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
- How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their research experience and motivation for this specific project, along with a comprehensive CV, to the Principal Investigator Nguyen Thi Tuyet via [email protected]. Please include “Postdoc Application: cf-mtDNA in CKMS” in the subject line of your email.
