Open to opportunities

Batoul Darwish

@batouldarwish

Senior post-doctoral neuroscientist advancing neuroimmune, neuroinfectious and neurocancerous and neurogenesis research with rigorous in vivo methods.

Egypt

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a research-focused role where I can lead neuroimmune/neurogenesis projects, combine rigorous in vivo models with molecular and imaging methods, publish mechanistic findings, and collaborate closely with academic teams.

I’m a Senior Post-doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine at American University of Beirut, working in the Lab of Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir. My research centers on neuroimmune interactions and brain homeostasis—connecting infection and inflammation to outcomes like neurogenesis, cognitive/behavioral impairment, and sensory or pain-related pathways.

Previously, I completed a Post-doctoral Associate role at Duke University in the Anesthesiology Department (Lab of Dr. Christopher Donnelly), and I also served as a Guest Lecturer for the Neuroscience course. My PhD in Biomedical Sciences–Neuroscience at AUB culminated in a dissertation titled “Urinary Tract Infections and Brain Homeostasis: Is There a Link?”, and I’ve continued translating these questions into mechanistic studies supported by peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and projects in development. I bring hands-on expertise with rodent and infection models, behavioral testing, qPCR and immunostaining workflows, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD assays, and confocal imaging—along with a strong commitment to teaching and rigorous, reproducible science.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Post-doctoral Fellow

Current

American University of Beirut

Jan 2026 - Present (5 months)

Serves as a Senior Post-doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences) under the Lab of Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir, advancing research on neuroimmune mechanisms affecting brain homeostasis.

Stereotaxic Surgeries Behavioral Testing (Maze Recognition)

Post-doctoral Associate

Duke University

Jan 2023 - Dec 2025 (2 years 11 months)

Worked as a Post-doctoral Associate in the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University (Lab of Dr. Christopher Donnelly), conducting neuroimmune and neurogenesis research using in vivo and molecular assays.

Oral Gavage Intrathecal Intraperitoneal Injections Flow Cytometry Stereotaxic Surgeries

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

American University of Beirut

Senior Post-doctoral Fellow, Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences

2026 -

Senior Post-doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences), working in the lab of Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir.

Duke University

Post-doctoral Associate, Anesthesiology

2023 - 2025

Post-doctoral Associate in the Faculty of Medicine (Anesthesiology Department) in the lab of Dr. Christopher Donnelly.

American University of Beirut

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biomedical Sciences - Neuroscience

2017 - 2022

PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience) in the lab of Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir. Thesis: "Urinary Tract Infections and Brain Homeostasis: Is There a Link?"

American University of Beirut

Master's in Neuroscience, Neuroscience

2015 - 2017

Master's in Neuroscience in the lab of Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir. Thesis: "Intranigral Injection of Endotoxin Suppresses Proliferation of Hippocampal Progenitor Cells."