Postdoctoral Associate, Translational Dental Medicine, School of Dental Medicine

Position Overview Erdogan Lab, NIH-funded research laboratory in the Department of Translational Dental Medicine at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program investigating how neuro‑immune responses and interactions shape pain, infection, and tissue repair in barrier tissues in the oral cavity. The lab operates at the interface of neurobiology, immunology, and microbiology, combining in vivo disease models, systems‑level profiling, and translational approaches. Our goal is to define how sensory neurons respond and interact with immune and microbial signals in dental and oral tissues and to translate these insights into minimally invasive therapies and pain management strategies. Erdogan Lab is located within the Boston University Medical Campus and is highly collaborative, with active partnerships across Boston’s leading academic and medical institutions. Key Responsibilities Design, execute, and lead independent and collaborative, hypothesis‑driven research at the intersection of neuroimmunology and oral biology Utilize in vivo models of dental injury, infection, and inflammation, and utilize chemogenetic approaches Integrate molecular, cellular, and systems‑level approaches (e.g., flow cytometry, imaging, transcriptomics) Analyze complex datasets, including transcriptomic and microbiome data Lead projects from experimental design through publication Mentor trainees and contribute to a dynamic, team‑oriented lab environment Required Qualifications PhD, DDS/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, neuroscience, microbiology, oral biology, or a related discipline Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team A creative and rigorous scientist with a strong track record of research productivity Excited to tackle mechanistic, translational, cross‑disciplinary questions Comfortable with (or eager to learn) in vivo biology and complex experimental systems Preferred Qualifications Neuroimmunology or pain biology Host‑microbe interactions or microbiome science Flow cytometry, advanced imaging, or spatial biology Transcriptomics Candidates with clinical training in dentistry (DDS/DMD) with substantial research experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Research Environment The Erdogan Lab is located at the Boston University Medical Campus and maintains active partnerships with neighboring academic and medical institutions in Boston. We foster a supportive, inclusive, and intellectually engaged lab culture that values curiosity, scientific rigor, and open collaboration. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Boston University