[AY26-27] Postdoctoral Researcher - Cf-mtDNA in CKMS - Innovations in Health Sciences (IHS)

ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni) is the first private, not-for-profit Vietnamese university established based on international standards. The university integrates the models of excellent international universities with the unique cultural and economic characteristics of Vietnam, to make a breakthrough in Vietnamese higher education and to become a world-class university.  

The University has built strategic collaborations with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania — a choice that speaks to our commitment to excellence, innovation in research and teaching, and to making a difference in the world. VinUni comprises of College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Management; College of Engineering and Computer Science; and College of Health Sciences.  

VinUni’s founding benefactor - Vingroup is one of the biggest private conglomerates in Asia with the largest market capitalization value in Vietnam. As a multisector corporation, Vingroup focuses on three main areas: Industrials & Technology; Real Estate & Services; Infrastructure; Green Energy; and Social Enterprises. VinUni is proud to be a part of the Vingroup ecosystem, giving its students the opportunities to connect with pioneering companies (such as VinFast, Vinpearl, Vinmec, Vinschool, and Vinhomes) and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem (such as VinVenture, VinMotion, or VinRobotics, VinSpace…).  

In September 2024, VinUni became the youngest and fastest university in the world to achieve QS 5 stars, earning 5 stars in 9 categories: global engagement, good governance, program strength, academic development, teaching, employability, facilities, arts, and social impact.  In October 2024, VinUni was appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO University Chair, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity.   

On our journey to become one of the world’s top 100 universities, VinUni is building a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and discovery. Through strategic investments in world-class research centers, state-of-the-art facilities, and transformative technologies, the university empowers collaboration across disciplines, strengthens partnerships with industry and society, and nurtures a thriving global network, who spearheads advancements in AI/Machine Learning, Data Science, Environmental Intelligence, Innovations in Health Sciences, Policy Development and Sustainable Societies. 

 

ABOUT INNOVATIONS IN HEALTH SCIENCES (IHS)

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 aims to be a leading authority on healthcare access and the social determinants of health that influence health outcomes in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, with the goal of developing policies, practices, and interventions that improve health and wellbeing 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 30,000 – 40,000 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: Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet, whose research focuses on pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

 

HOW TO APPLY 

• A cover letter detailing their research experience and motivation for this specific project
• A comprehensive CV
• Submit to the Principal Investigator - Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet via [email protected]. Please include “Postdoc Application: cf-mtDNA in CKMS” in the subject line of your email.

 

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.