Post-Doctoral Opportunities

The Thoracic Aortic Disease Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team of basic scientists, bioengineers, and clinicians to conduct NIH-supported research in bioengineered models of human aortic disease. Our laboratory within the Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Bioengineering and the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine established and maintains a large bioengineered human aortic tissue and vascular primary cell bank to aid our investigations of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate thoracic aortic aneurysm. The prospective candidate will have a PhD in bioengineering, or similar field of study and a self-motivated interest in pursuing an independent research trajectory in cardiovascular biology. The candidate should have experience in vascular and microvascular biology, vascular tissue engineering, ECM biology, ECM biomaterials, decellularization protocols, bioreactor-based culture models, 3-D cell culture, fluid mechanics, RNA and protein isolation from tissue and cultured cells, real-time PCR, Western blotting, molecular biology, histology, immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. The candidate should be evidently self-driven, demonstrate independent research productivity, possess excellent interpersonal skills and high caliber professional conduct, and be able to interface with clinicians, research associates, students, and faculty. Prior post-doctoral research experience and a track record of independent funding acquisition is highly advantageous. The candidate should also exhibit excellent English written and oral communication skills and will be expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present results at scientific conferences, apply for external funding opportunities, and participate in the preparation of grant applications from the team.

As a part of the postdoctoral experience, the applicant can expect to receive career mentoring from clinical and basic science faculty in developing a research program, writing research proposals, and to participate in career development activities. Applicants should E-mail their CV, cover letter and three reference letters attesting to the candidate’s qualifications and scientific acumen to the attention of Dr. Julie Phillippi at jap103@pitt.edu or 412-624-6704. This position is available immediately.

The Glorioso Lab team carries out studies to apply gene therapy to the treatment of diseases of the nervous system that include chronic pain and brain tumors. Dr. Glorioso is offering an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral fellow to develop treatments for glioma using advanced oncolytic HSV vectors. Applicants interested in the field of immuno-oncology would be most appropriate. However, students experienced in molecular virology and animal models of disease are also welcome. The lab is well supported by NIH grants for next 5 years. This position is available immediately. The Glorioso lab is located in Bridgeside Point-2 in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. Please contact Dr. Glorioso at glorioso@pitt.edu.

A post-doctoral researcher position is open in the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

Research areas of interest include:

• Stem cell biology
• Skeletal muscle
• Aging
• Mechanobiology/mechanotransductive mechanisms
• Extracellular matrix
• Proteomics
• Biophysics
• Machine learning

This NIH-funded research will be conducted at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine under the direction of Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio, associate professor in the departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bioengineering, Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, and Environmental & Occupational Health.

The position offers a competitive salary and exposure to a rich and highly collaborative scientific environment.

Qualifications: Strong candidates will be highly motivated, and will have exceptional scientific creativity, good organizational skills, and effective communication skills (written and oral). The applicant should have the ability to work both independently to design and conduct experiments, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with team members inside and outside the immediate lab environment. Evidence of productivity is required. Experience in stem cell isolation, cell culture, imaging, histology, molecular and cellular techniques is also desirable.

Interested candidates should submit a pdf file including:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• One-page statement of research experience and interests
• Names and contact information of three references

Applications should be submitted to Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio at ambrosiof @upmc.edu.