Postdoctoral Associate Human Lung Models and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Title: Postdoctoral Associate, Human Microvascular Models and Extracellular Matrix Biology

Location: Onsite, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Type: Direct-Hire/Permanent

Hours: Standard business hours

Start: May

Overview: We are loo king for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join a lab focused on discovering novel therapeutics. This interdisciplinary program develops advanced in vitro models of hematopoietic and immune system function such as conducting research at the intersection of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips) and immunology. The role emphasizes the use of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips), particularly in the context of lung, to investigate infection dynamics, barrier function, multicellular biology, and responses to therapeutic interventions under controlled experimental conditions.



Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experimental studies using advanced human in vitro tissue models, including establishment and maintenance of differentiated epithelial cultures
• Evaluate cellular responses in Organs-on-Chips under physiologically relevant conditions
• Perform and optimize assays to assess host–pathogen interactions, inflammatory signaling, and therapeutic responses
• Contribute to development and refinement of experimental workflows to enhance reproducibility and robustness
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate findings across complementary model systems and analytical platforms
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Analyze and interpret data, and contribute to preparation of manuscripts, reports, and grant applications
• Mentor trainees and assist in training of laboratory personnel as needed

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Lung Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Physiology, or a related field
• Experience with primary human cell culture in particular lung cells
• Strong background in experimental design and in vitro model development
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Experience with tissue-engineered or microphysiological systems
• Familiarity with lung epithelial barrier function assays and physiological readouts, air-liquid interface establishment and mucociliary differentiation
• Experience with infection models or host–pathogen interaction studies
• Experience with quantitative imaging, molecular assays, or multi-modal data analysis

#M3
Ref: #558-Scientific