Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

Research focus: Hematopoietic stem cell expansion, regeneration using engineered human developmental niches Location: University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Job type: Full-time, fixed-term Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension

Position Summary

We are seeking an experimental postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in cell biology and hematopoietic systems to investigate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) expansion, aging, and regenerative function. The successful candidate will develop and conduct in vitro assays and in vivo transplantation studies to determine how engineered niches influence HSC maintenance, expansion, and long-term repopulating capacity.The position combines hematopoietic stem cell biology, mouse transplantation, molecular cloning, genetic engineering, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived organoid development. The researcher will work within an interdisciplinary team to build and manipulate multicellular niche systems, investigate mechanisms of stem cell regulation, and validate their functional effects.

Key Responsibilities

· Design and conduct experiments to improve the maintenance, expansion, and regenerative function of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

· contribute mouse transplantation studies, including preparation of donor cells, transplantation, longitudinal monitoring of engraftment, and analysis of hematopoietic tissues.

· Assess HSC function through complementary in vitro and in vivo assays, including colony-forming assays, multilineage differentiation, long-term engraftment, and serial transplantation as appropriate.

· Isolate, culture, characterize, and analyze hematopoietic populations using multicolor flow cytometry, cell sorting, and molecular and cellular assays.

· Develop and optimize iPSC-derived organoids and hematopoietic niche coculture systems to investigate interactions between stem cells and their microenvironment.

· Perform molecular cloning and genetic engineering to manipulate candidate pathways in hematopoietic cells, iPSCs, and niche populations.

· Collaborate with computational and experimental researchers to connect functional findings with molecular profiling.

· Maintain rigorous experimental records, analyze and interpret results, contribute to manuscripts and grant applications, and mentor junior researchers.

Qualifications and Requirements

Required

· Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in stem cell biology, cell biology, hematology, immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a closely related field.

· Strong experimental background in cell biology and familiarity with the hematopoietic system, particularly hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

· Hands-on experience with mouse handling

· Experience with mammalian cell culture and functional assays relevant to hematopoietic stem cell biology.

· Proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry and characterization of hematopoietic populations.

· Hands-on experience in molecular cloning, construct design, and genetic manipulation of mammalian cells.

· Ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments using appropriate controls and quantitative analysis.

· Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills, with evidence of research productivity and effective collaboration.

Preferred

· Experience with human HSC isolation, expansion, and xenotransplantation into immunodeficient mice.

· Experience assessing long-term multilineage engraftment, limiting-dilution transplantation, or serial transplantation.

· Experience with human iPSC culture, directed differentiation, three-dimensional organoid development, or multicellular coculture systems.

· Familiarity with CRISPR-based approaches, inducible gene expression, or viral and nonviral gene delivery.

· Research experience in stem cell aging, developmental hematopoiesis, niche biology, or monocyte/microglia development.

· Experience integrating functional experiments with transcriptomic, imaging, or other molecular analyses.

Benefits and Opportunities

· Work at the interface of stem cell biology, developmental biology, synthetic biology, and regenerative medicine.

· Access to human stem cell, organoid, transplantation, flow cytometry, imaging, and molecular profiling platforms.

· Opportunities to develop independent research directions and contribute to translational approaches for HSC expansion and regeneration.

· Mentorship and support for publications, fellowship and grant applications, conference participation, and career development.

· Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with institutional and NIH guidelines.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a brief statement describing their experimental research experience and future interests, contact information for three references, and representative publications or preprints. Applicants should highlight their experience with hematopoietic systems, transplantation, molecular cloning, genetic engineering, and stem cell or organoid culture.

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