POSITION SUMMARY
Postdoctoral Researcher - Nutrient Signaling, Circadian Rhythms & Neurodegeneration

The Kapahi Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is recruiting Postdoctoral Researchers to lead innovative projects exploring how circadian clocks and nutrient-responsive pathways influence eye and neuronal degeneration. These positions use bioinformatic and systems biology approaches to integrate findings from Drosophila and human data, with a focus on conserved mechanisms in aging and age-related disease.

Our lab uses a cross-disciplinary toolkit—genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, and genomics—to understand how nutrition impacts the biology of aging. Model systems include C. elegans, D. melanogaster, and mammalian cells.

Why Join Us?

Work in a highly collaborative, well-funded lab focused on translational aging research
Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and rich model organism resources
Strong mentorship with a track record of supporting K99/R00 applications
Ideal for researchers seeking to transition to independent academic careers

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, or a related field.
Experience with model organisms and/or bioinformatic data analysis is an advantage, but not essential.
Willingness to write grants and manuscripts is a prerequisite.

PUBLICATIONS

Bar S, Wilson KA, Dammer EB, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. Neuronal glycogen breakdown exerts a neuroprotective effect in models of Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. accepted Nat Metabolism 2025
Wilson KA, Bar S, Dammer EB, Carrera EM, Hodge BA, Hilsabeck TAU, Bons J, Brownridge GW 3rd, Beck JN, Rose J, Granath-Panelo M, Nelson CS, Qi G, Gerencser AA, Lan J, Afenjar A, Chawla G, Brem RB, Campeau PM, Bellen HJ, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. OXR1 maintains the retromer to delay brain aging under dietary restriction. Nat Commun. 2024 Jan 11;15(1):467. PMID: 38212606; PMCID: PMC10784588.
Longitudinal fundus imaging and its genome-wide association analysis provide evidence for a human retinal aging clock. Sara Ahadi, Kenneth A Wilson Jr, Boris Babenko, Cory Y McLean, Drew Bryant, Orion Pritchard, Ajay Kumar, Enrique M Carrera, Ricardo Lamy, Jay M Stewart, Avinash Varadarajan, Marc Berndl, Pankaj Kapahi, Ali Bashir. Elife. 2023 Mar 28; https://elifesciences.org/articles/82364
Dietary restriction and clock delay eye aging to extend lifespan in melanogaster. Hodge BA, Meyerhof GT, Katewa SD, Lian T, Lau C ,Bar S, Leung NY, Li M, Li-Kroeger D, Melov S, Schilling B, Montell C, Kapahi P. Nat Commun. 2022 Jun 7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30975-4

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The starting salary for a new postdoc at the Buck is $73,760 in 2026, with a range of up to $81,440, commensurate with postdoc level & experience.
Exciting, dynamic work environment at the forefront of science using state-of-the-art techniques.
Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, generous vacation/sick leave, and 401(k) with 5% employer match and student loan repayment option.
Collaborative and dynamic environment, both for science and social activities.

ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, to increase human health span or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging—the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes—the Buck seeks to help people live better longer. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online and upload a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references.

For questions regarding this position, please email Pkapahi@buckinstitute.org or visit https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/kapahi-lab/

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Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Caregiver leave
Commuter assistance
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Buck Institute

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