Postdoctoral Researcher, Translational Human Reproductive Biology

Postdoctoral Researcher, Translational Human Reproductive BiologyThe O'Neill Lab in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a translational research program focused on the female reproductive tract. Our overarching goal is to understand the cellular and molecular basis of implantation, endometrial regeneration, and gynecologic disease, and to translate those discoveries into new therapies for infertility and other disorders of women's health.The lab works almost exclusively in human systems. Ongoing projects include: molecular mapping of the healthy female reproductive tract as a Tissue Mapping Center within the NIH HuBMAP Consortium, using single-cell and spatial approaches (10x Multiome, Visium) and multiplexed imaging (CODEX); development of lipid nanoparticle and mRNA therapeutics for reproductive disorders in collaboration with the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, including a vaginally administered mRNA-LNP therapeutic to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding as part of the Wellcome Leap "The Missed Vital Sign" program, which seeks precise, non-hormonal treatments that can be self-administered without surgery or suppression of the menstrual cycle; mapping the surface proteome of endometrial cell populations; and studies of endometrial regeneration and pregnancy immunology in recipients of the Penn UNTIL uterus transplant trial. In vitro human models, including patient-derived endometrial organoids, are central to this work.The Postdoctoral Researcher will take primary intellectual and technical ownership of a project within these areas, with the expectation of shaping its direction over time and building toward an independent research program. This is a highly collaborative environment: the lab includes a research assistant, rotating REI fellows, OB/GYN residents, graduate and medical students, and undergraduates, and works closely with clinical teams, engineering and RNA biology groups at Penn, and external scientific collaborators. We place real value on a positive, generous lab culture and on training that is responsive to each person's goals. The successful candidate will be someone who takes initiative, is comfortable troubleshooting and optimizing protocols independently, reaches out across institutions to learn a technique or start a collaboration, and contributes to the scientific and social health of the group.QualificationsRequired Qualifications· PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in reproductive biology, cell or molecular biology, immunology, physiology, bioengineering, or a closely related field. Candidates who have completed all degree requirements but have not yet been conferred the degree may apply, provided completion can be verified by the University. Candidates from non-U.S. universities must hold a degree equivalent to those awarded by U.S. institutions.· Demonstrated record of research productivity appropriate to career stage, including first-author publications or manuscripts under review or in preparation.· Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture, including sterile technique and maintenance of primary cells or organoid cultures.· Proficiency in core molecular biology assays, such as nucleic acid extraction, RT-qPCR, protein quantification and immunoblotting, cloning, or ELISA.· Demonstrated ability to work independently: to design experiments, troubleshoot failed protocols, optimize new assays, and drive a project forward with limited day-to-day direction.· Evidence of exceptional initiative, such as independently initiated projects, collaborations, methods, funding applications, or programs developed during graduate training.· Strong organizational skills and conscientious, detailed record keeping across concurrent experiments and timelines.· Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills, including experience presenting data to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.· Commitment to women's health and reproductive science, and to translational research that is relevant to patients.· A collaborative working style, with a track record of contributing to a positive team environment, supporting colleagues, and reflecting thoughtfully on feedback and on one's own performance.· Willingness to mentor and support junior trainees at multiple levels of experience.Preferred Qualifications· Experience with multiplexed or multicyclic imaging platforms (CODEX/PhenoCycler, Xenium, imaging mass cytometry, Vectra, or similar), including panel design, antibody conjugation, and validation.· Experience with IHC and immunofluorescence on human FFPE and frozen tissue sections, including antigen retrieval optimization and antibody validation.· Quantitative image analysis experience using QuPath, Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, HALO, or comparable tools.· Able to run basic bioinformatic pipelines.· Familiarity with single-cell and spatial transcriptomics (10x Genomics Multiome, Visium, or similar), including sample preparation and interpretation of processed data.· Working proficiency in R or Python for analysis and visualization of imaging or sequencing data.· Experience with flow cytometry and immunophenotyping of tissue-derived cell populations.· Prior experience contributing to grant applications, or a clear plan to apply for individual fellowship or career development funding.· Prior mentoring or teaching experience with students, residents, or junior laboratory staff.· Background or strong interest in endometrial biology, implantation, endometriosis, or gynecologic disease.Application instructionsPlease provide all of the following, as outlined, for your application to be considered complete:CV including list of publicationsCover Letter or Letter of Interest Applicants are asked to use the cover letter to describe their research experience and technical skills, why they are interested in this laboratory and reproductive biology specifically, and their career goalsName and Contact Information for Three (3) References Must include Doctoral or Primary Research MentorLetters of Recommendation will be requested for Finalists. They are NOT required at the time of application.Equal opportunityThe University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.