Bacterial Community Development and Regulated Cell Death

The Mashruwala Laboratory

The Mashruwala Laboratory at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The laboratory studies bacterial communities through a developmental biology lens, asking how molecular events within genetically identical bacterial cells generate organized behaviors and spatial patterns across a collective. We are particularly interested in regulated cell death, collective cell-fate decisions and cell-cell communication as routes to discovering general principles of bacterial community development.

The successful candidate will develop an original research direction within this framework, with substantial intellectual freedom.

Approach, research, mentoring and professional development environment

We combine bacterial genetics, molecular biology, advanced microscopy, quantitative image analysis, computational approaches, phenotypic analysis, and small-scale laboratory automation. Projects can expand into new methods or model systems when the biological question demands it.

At Stowers, postdocs work in a highly collaborative environment with direct access to Ph.D.-level scientific partners in Technology Centers spanning advanced microscopy, genomics, proteomics, computational biology, and related areas. 

The Mashruwala Laboratory receives recurring intramural support from the Stowers Institute, providing flexibility to pursue unexpected findings and ambitious long-term questions. Our research is also supported by the Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation.

Mentoring is tailored to each researcher’s background and goals. This ranges across experimental strategy and quantitative reasoning to writing to presentations to fellowship and grant applications to project management, and for researchers pursuing academic careers, preparation for the faculty job market.

Stowers postdocs also have access to PostdocEDGE, a structured professional-development program covering grant writing, leadership, laboratory management, faculty-job preparation, and the transition to independent PI/Group Leader positions.

Who should apply

We welcome applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds who are excited by fundamental biological questions and by research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. Prior experience with Vibrio cholerae is not required; we particularly welcome applicants who bring complementary expertise or perspectives.

• A Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, computational biology, or a related field.

• A record of rigorous research and scientific productivity appropriate to career stage.

• Research experience in at least one relevant area, such as microbial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging, biophysics, computation, genomics.

• Scientific curiosity, creativity, persistence, and the ability to move a difficult problem forward.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Select publications

• Mashruwala AA, Qin B, Bassler BL. Quorum-sensing- and type VI secretion-mediated spatiotemporal cell death drives genetic diversity in Vibrio cholerae. Cell (2022).

• Mashruwala AA, Bassler BL. Quorum sensing orchestrates parallel cell death pathways in Vibrio cholerae via Type 6 secretion-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024).

Application

Applicants should submit the materials below. We are interested in learning about you, how you think about science, what you have accomplished, and what kinds of questions excite you.

• A 1-2 page cover letter describing your interest in working with us, the questions you would be excited to explore in the lab, and your longer-term career goals.

• Summary of your previous research and your specific contributions to that work

• Curriculum vitae including publication list.

• Contact information for three references.

• Up to two representative papers or preprints (optional).

Please combine materials into a single PDF labeled LastName_Postdoc_2026.pdf and send it to AMashruwala@stowers.org and careers@stowers.org.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Learn more

Mashruwala Laboratory: https://www.stowers.org/labs/mashruwala-lab

Postdoctoral training at Stowers: https://www.stowers.org/postdoc-training