Post-Doctoral Opportunities

A highly motivated individual with doctoral training in molecular biology and/or immunology is being sought for a two year postdoctoral position at the University of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The focus of work is the investigation of fundamental concepts of cell biology, cell-matrix interactions, and immunology to develop novel strategies that promote the regeneration and constructive remodeling of mammalian tissues and organs. There is a strong emphasis on extracellular matrix and its constitutive structural and functional molecules as modulators of cell and molecular processes in tissue development and tissue response to injury. Studies in the laboratory include investigation of cell signaling mechanisms and associated intracellular events that direct cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and immunomodulation. Individuals with a strong background in genomics, miRNA, nanovesicle isolation/purification, and high throughput data analysis are encouraged to apply. Experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection, luciferase assays, RNA isolation, protein purification, qPCR, RNA sequencing, western blotting, and investigation of signaling pathways is required.

The laboratory is part of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which provides abundant opportunities for interaction with world experts in stem cell biology, biomechanics, immunology, biomaterials, and clinical medicine. The post-doctoral fellow will use the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, and cell biology to investigate the mechanisms that promote the restoration of structurally and functionally normal tissues and organs. Strong writing skills are absolutely essential, as well as a track record of first authorship for peer reviewed publications. Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in an appropriate field. The candidate must be able to conduct independent research while collaborating with others in a large interdisciplinary laboratory. The initial appointment will be for one year with the intention of extending this position for an additional one or two years. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and list of references to:

Stephen Badylak, DVM, PhD, MD
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
University of Pittsburgh
450 Technology Drive, Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Email: badylaks@upmc.edu
Administrative Coordinator: Rachel Thomas, thomasre@upmc.edu

The laboratory of Dr. Samira Kiani at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Pittsburgh Liver Research Center is looking for an outstanding, highly motivated, and self-driven postdoc candidate to join a collaborative research program on gene editing and bioreactor liver chip technologies.

Kiani lab is interested in using the designer DNA binding proteins such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and Zinc Finger proteins to develop novel gene and (epi)-gene editing tools to address human diseases. Along this notion, human microphysiological systems that can report on immune response to and toxicity following the application of gene editors to human tissues are crucial in developing clinical gene editors. We work with Liver on a Chip platform, a 3D perfusable system that allows us to develop and maintain human liver tissue over extended period of time. We use patient specific cells to assemble immune-competent liver tissues in this platform and analyze their response to gene editing events through high through put assays such as transcriptomics, genomics and Luminex assays. The goal is to develop biomarkers and predict response to gene editing in human tissues.

We have contributed to the development of efficient CRISPR-based transcriptional repressors (Nat Methods. 2018 Aug;15(8):611-616), strategies to control gRNAs fr om RNA Pol II promoter (ACS Synth Biol. 2018 Aug 17;7(8):1929-1936.) CRISPR layered control circuits and the immunogenicity of streptococcus Pyogenes CRISPR in human (https://doi.org/10.1101/360198).

The lab is located within world-class Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, which is home to cutting edge interdisciplinary research program on Liver diseases. The project is part of Somatic Cell Genome Engineering Consortium which provide unique opportunity for interaction with the rest of gene editing and delivery community at MIT, U Berkley, University of Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to lead cutting edge project on the application and delivery of CRISPR in human liver Chip bioreactor platforms and participate in monthly meeting with the rest of consortium members. You will be responsible for experimentally managing the project, and contribute original ideas in carrying out the varied facets of the research endeavor and expansion of the lab operation including writing grants.

Minimum/Basic Qualifications: experience in any of the following: standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis; mammalian cell culture maintenance, viral vectors. Experience with qPCR, ELISAs, and confocal microscopy. MD or PhD degree on a related field of study (genetics, microbiology, biology, bioengineering, molecular biology, and/or cell biology). A good track record of publication is required.

Appointment: This position reports to Dr Samira Kiani and is working in Pittsburgh Liver Research Center and main campus of Pittsburgh University School of Medicine. The position is a full-time, benefits eligible, fiscal appointment with a flexible start date of sometime between September 2020 and December 2020 with the possibility of renewal annually, dependent on available funding, performance and the needs of the University. The salary will be according to NIH Pay line scales for postdocs. Applications will be reviewed weekly until the search is closed. A background check is required for employment. University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to
apply.

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Samira Kiani (samira.kiani@pitt.edu) with their CV, cover letter, and contact information of at least 2 referees included in the email.

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.