Post Doctoral.Associate - Human Genetics

The Laboratory of Leah Greenspan in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate tissue repair and regeneration.

The Greenspan Lab studies how timing, cell-cell interactions, and regenerative signals coordinate cutaneous wound healing, and how these processes change with aging and disease. Using adult zebrafish as a model system, the lab combines molecular genetics, transcriptomic analyses, and live imaging at cellular resolution to investigate the dynamic interactions between immune cells, blood vessels, and lymphatics during tissue repair.

The postdoctoral associate will investigate the molecular programs that regulate vascular regeneration following cutaneous injury. The project will involve analyzing endothelial transcriptomic datasets generated across multiple stages of wound repair, identifying and prioritizing candidate genes and pathways, validating gene expression patterns, and using genetic and imaging approaches to determine how candidate regulators influence wound healing. The project will provide opportunities to integrate transcriptomic data with functional studies and live imaging to investigate vascular regeneration and interactions between cell populations at the wound site.

The successful candidate will take ownership of their research project, contribute to the scientific direction of the lab, and develop hypotheses and experimental approaches in collaboration with the principal investigator. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, mentor other lab members, and develop scientific independence and skills relevant to future career goals.

Responsibilities

• Research project development: Take ownership of a research project and contribute to the scientific direction of the lab by developing hypotheses, proposing new research directions, and identifying opportunities to advance ongoing projects.
• Experimental design and execution: Independently design, perform, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments, seeking input from the principal investigator when appropriate.
• Transcriptomic analysis: Analyze and interpret RNA-sequencing datasets to identify candidate genes, pathways, and molecular programs associated with endothelial responses to cutaneous injury and tissue repair.
• Molecular and genetic approaches: Investigate candidate genes using appropriate molecular, gene-expression, and functional genetic approaches to determine their roles in wound healing and regeneration.
• Live imaging and image analysis: Generate and analyze live-imaging datasets of cutaneous wounds in zebrafish to characterize vascular regeneration, cellular dynamics, and interactions between cell populations during tissue repair.
• Scientific communication: Contribute to manuscripts, conference presentations, grant applications, and other scientific communications.
• Mentoring and training: Mentor and train students and other lab members as appropriate, sharing technical expertise and contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Professional development: Develop scientific independence, expand technical and analytical expertise, and pursue opportunities aligned with long-term career goals.
• Collaboration and laboratory participation: Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, communicate research progress and challenges, and contribute to shared laboratory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Developmental Biology, or a related field.
2. Experience with confocal microscopy using fixed or live samples.
3. Ability to drive a research project through experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience analyzing transcriptomic datasets, including RNA-sequencing data.
2. Experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications.

Work Arrangement

On-campus, University of Pittsburgh.

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.