Postdoctoral Fellowships in Basic Research

Research and educational opportunities across a wide spectrum are available in the Division of Cardiology for individuals seeking postdoctoral training in basic cardiovascular biology.  Candidates holding either a Ph.D., an M.D., or combined degrees, may apply for a fellowship position that is not linked to the training program in clinical cardiology.  Selection of a laboratory mentor at the time of application is required. 

The major thrust of basic science research underway in the Division of Cardiology focuses on cardiomyocyte biology.  Three broad areas of emphasis exist.  These include 1) cardiomyocyte remodeling -- both pathological and physiological -- under conditions of stress; 2) stem cell biology and regenerative medicine; 3) electrophysiological remodeling. 

Interested applicants will discover a broad range of training opportunities in several laboratories focused on these problems.  Candidates are encouraged to peruse the Division website for a catalogue of faculty interests and expertise.  There, you will find listings of research opportunities focusing on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, programmed cell death, autophagy, myocyte atrophy, metabolism, circadian rhythms, transcriptional control, nitroso-oxidative signaling, hypoxia-dependent signaling, cardiac fibrosis, and molecular, cellular, and whole-animal electrophysiology.  Additional areas of interest will be identified, as well. 

Basic research in the Division of Cardiology is highly integrated with a number of established research programs across campus at UT Southwestern.  These include the Department of Molecular Biology (Eric N. Olson, PhD, Chairman), the Department of Biochemistry (Steve McKnight, PhD, Chairman), Molecular Genetics (led by Drs. Joseph Goldstein and Michael S. Brown), the Department of  Physiology (James T. Stull, PhD, Chairman), the Department of Pharmacology (David Mangelsdorf, PhD, Chairman), the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Steves Ring, MD, Chairman), the Center for Advanced Imaging (Craig Malloy, MD), clinical cardiac MRI (Ronald Peshock, MD) and much more.

An especially close relationship exists between the Division of Cardiology and the Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center headed by Helen Hobbs, MD.  There, a wide range of translational research opportunities exist for individuals interested in basic science research who desire formal or informal interaction with investigators employing clinical, translational, and population-based research methods. 

Competitive applicants will devote a minimum of one year to research in basic science.  Much more typically, a commitment of upwards of three years is required and expected.  In order to be well trained and competitive in basic research, a serious commitment to long-term training will be required, and a concerted plan orchestrated by the trainee, research mentor, and division director must be devised.  In some instances, this period of training may extend into a junior faculty appointment.