Scientist 1 - Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

This is a Research Special at will appointment and is only open to current Ohio University employees.

Please complete the online application and attach the required documents. Required documents include a detailed cover letter, current resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact details, including email addresses.

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2025.

We pride ourselves on our strong focus on our mission: training osteopathic primary care physicians to serve Ohio.

Our medical school educates physicians committed to practice in Ohio, emphasizes primary care, engages in focused research, and embraces both Appalachian and urban communities. Integral to this mission, our college community commits itself to: providing a clinically integrated, learning-centered, osteopathic medical education continuum for students, interns, residents and primary care associates; embracing public service; and improving the health and well-being of underserved populations.

A healthier Ohio, empowered by compassionate osteopathic physicians.

With our graduates and partners, we advance care and knowledge to improve the health of our communities. Our culture is built upon resiliency, courage and compassion. Our physicians humanize each patient encounter, bridging the gap between therapeutics, medical technologies, health systems, care delivery and disparity.

These fundamental principles form the foundation of the culture at our college: wholeness and balance within each person; integrity; community of mutual respect; acceptance of others; pursuit of excellence; a climate of scholarship; and commitment to service, generosity and compassion.

About the Department of Biomedical Sciences

Departmental Summary:
The Scientist I will lead research in the Zhu Laboratory focused on the role of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1) in osteoarthritis and cartilage biology, with an emphasis on how chondrocyte metabolism regulates cellular responses to metabolic challenges associated with aging and obesity. This position involves applying biochemistry, molecular biology, and metabolic assays, along with cartilage and bone histology, to investigate disease mechanisms and skeletal development. Experience with mouse models of joint and cartilage disease is essential, including knee hyperalgesia analysis, non-invasive ACL rupture to create PTOA, tissue dissection, histological processing, and interpretation of skeletal and joint pathology. Familiarity with metabolic and molecular approaches to studying chondrocyte function in vivo and in vitro is also required.

Departmental Responsibilities:

The approved hiring range for this position is $58,972 to $78,139. Offers outside of this range require additional approvals. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for the position. Pay is accompanied by Ohio University’s generous benefits package, which includes:

Additional information is available at: