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Postdoctoral Researcher - Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy

Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted May 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What interests you about how cytomegalovirus disrupts neural progenitor cells?

What they are checking: Whether they have real scientific curiosity about the lab's second research area, not just the job.

Tell me about a paper you led. What was your role from idea to publication?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead a project independently and write it up, which the lab expects of a postdoc.

Tell me about a collaboration with clinicians or another lab. What made it work or not?

What they are checking: Whether they can work across departments and with hospital clinicians, which the lab does often.

What independent funding would you apply for, and what would your proposal be about?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan toward independence and fellowship funding during the appointment.

What would you do

You've done a knockdown with a viral vector and see no phenotype. How do you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot systematically, checking knockdown efficiency before drawing a biological conclusion.

A junior lab member's results don't match yours. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they resolve conflicting data fairly and mentor others without assigning blame.

About the work

Tell me about your experience generating and differentiating iPSCs into neurons or glia.

What they are checking: Whether they can run the lab's core stem cell methods or would need extensive training first.

How would you design a study to test whether astrocytes contribute to motor neuron loss in spinal muscular atrophy?

What they are checking: Whether they can build a sound experimental design with the right co-culture controls for the lab's main question.

What's your experience with forebrain organoids, and what limitations do you keep in mind when interpreting them?

What they are checking: Whether they understand organoid variability and can draw careful conclusions from these models.

Walk me through how you'd analyze live cell calcium imaging or microelectrode array data.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the functional data analysis these projects depend on, not just collect recordings.

How have you used RNA sequencing or proteomics data to guide your next experiment?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn large datasets into testable hypotheses rather than just generating them.

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The full job description

As published by Medical College of Wisconsin.

Summary A postdoctoral position is available at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to study cell biology of pancreatic islets and diabetes. The ongoing projects will focus on beta cell membrane trafficking and its roles in regulating insulin secretion in health and diabetic conditions. The group utilizes molecular biology/CRISPR, cell biology, live-cell imaging, vEM, multi-omics, and mutant mouse models to study beta cells and diabetes. Live-cell and super-resolution fluorescence imaging is another strength of the group, multiple advanced microscopies, including confocal, TIRF, SIM, STORM, and STED microscopes, are readily accessible. (See https://www.mcw.edu/departments/cell-biology-neurobiology-and-anatomy/people/xuelin-lou-phd). Applicants should have the demonstrated research skills in the relevant field, research independence, and communication skills. Experience in the related field, such as beta cell biology, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, mitochondria metabolism, or diabetes are highly preferred. Desirable expertise may include primary beta cell cultures from transgenic mouse models, molecular biology and CRISPR techniques, super-resolution microscopy, or live cell imaging. This position provides opportunities to develop innovative research projects/skills and promote career growth in a collaborative setting. The PI is committed to mentoring young scientists and nurturing creative thinking and scholarship. The laboratory is in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy at the main campus of MCW, a vibrant private medical school on the west shore of Lake Michigan. All applicants with relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and application review will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply through the MCW portal, and send a single pdf file (including a cover page, CV, one-page research plan) and three reference letters to xulou@mcw.edu for attention. Primary Responsibilities • Plan projects and perform experiments with strong independence. Analyze data and summarize research findings. • Develop new research projects or novel methods. • Contribute to collaborative projects, participate regular scholar activities, and help team members. • Other duties as assigned. Knowledge – Skills – Abilities • Required knowledge in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics • Documentation, records management and data utilization skills • Complex problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management • Writing skills Qualifications Minimum Required Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in biomedical science or a related field. Minimum Required Experience: 0 years Preferred Experience: E xpertise in the related field, such as islet beta cell biology, actin dynamics and diabetes. Prior experience with primary islet cell cultures, CRISPR, live-cell fluorescence microscopy or super resolution imaging (TIRFM/STORM/STED) as evidenced by publications is highly desirable. Physical Requirements Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously. Work Environment Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment. Sensory Acuity Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required . May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects. Why MCW? • Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options • 403B Retirement Package • Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered • Tuition Reimbursement • Paid Parental Leave • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) • Pet Insurance • On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes • Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc. For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website . MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination: The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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