Postdoctoral Positions in Neurodegeneration or Cancer Research

The laboratory of Professor Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Our research investigates fundamental mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cancer, with current projects focused on two major areas:

1. Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases

Maintaining protein homeostasis is essential for cellular function, and its progressive disruption is closely associated with aging and neurodegenerative disease. Our laboratory has discovered two previously unrecognized protein quality control (PQC) systems involving tripartite motif ( TRIM ) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu ( polyD/E ) proteins. These pathways function independently of ATP and exhibit distinct patterns of evolutionary conservation—TRIM-based PQC in animals and polyD/E-based PQC across eukaryotes—distinguishing them from established PQC mechanisms. Ongoing studies aim to define the molecular mechanisms of these pathways, elucidate their roles in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and explore their potential for therapeutic intervention.

2. Tumor suppression, metabolism, and autophagy

The tumor suppressor p53, which is encoded by the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, is a central regulator of cellular stress responses. Our research seeks to uncover emerging functions of p53, with particular emphasis on its regulation of cellular metabolism and autophagy. We investigate the bidirectional interplay between p53 and cellular metabolism, including how p53 responds to metabolic cues and regulates pathways essential for biosynthesis and redox homeostasis. We also seek to identify metabolic alterations that promote tumor initiation and progression. Building on these studies, we have expanded our research to explore the roles of metabolism and autophagy in embryonic and cancer stem cell biology .

Selected Publications and Lab Website

For more information about our research, please see the following publications and laboratory website:

• Science 381 : eadd6696 (2023). PMID: 37499037
• Science Advances 8 : eabo0404 (2022). PMID: 35857842
• Nature 597 : 132–137 (2021). PMID: 34408321
• Nature Cell Biology 23 : 978–991 (2021). PMID: 34497368
• Cell Metabolism 33 : 94–109 (2021). PMID: 33159852
• Science 369 : 397–403 (2020). PMID: 32703873
• Cell Reports 33 : 108418 (2020). PMID: 33264628
• Nature Communications 11 : 348 (2020). PMID: 31953436
• Nature Communications 10 : 1495 (2019). PMID: 30940803
• Nature Communications 9 : 4683 (2018). PMID: 30409970
• Nature Communications 9 : 1223 (2018). PMID: 29581427
• Cell Reports 18 : 3143–3154 (2017). PMID: 28355566
• Molecular Cell 55 : 15–30 (2014). Cover Article. PMID: 24882209
• Nature 493 : 689–693 (2013). PMID: 23334421
• Nature Cell Biology 15 : 991–1000 (2013). Cover Article. PMID: 23811687
• Nature Cell Biology 13 : 310–316 (2011). Cover Article. PMID: 21336310
• Molecular Cell 37 : 668–678 (2010). Cover Article. PMID: 20227371

Lab website:

Qualifications

Applicants should have recently earned, or be nearing completion of, a PhD or MD degree and demonstrate a strong publication record, rigorous experimental skills, and relevant experience in one or more research areas, such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, metabolism, stem cell biology, neurodegenerative disease, cancer research, or animal models.  

How to Apply

Please apply through the Nature Careers website or email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references directly to Professor Xiaolu Yang at View email address on nature.com . The cover letter should briefly describe your research interests, key skills, and preferred start date.

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) , founded by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States and a distinguished member of the Ivy League. Penn is internationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and innovation. Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, the nation’s oldest medical school, is a world-renowned center for biomedical research, education, and clinical medicine. Its highly collaborative research environment provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary training and scientific development. Located in Philadelphia, a historic and culturally vibrant city, Penn’s urban campus offers convenient access to a rich array of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.