Faculty Professor Research Assistant - Full-Time

Research Assistant Professor

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery is seeking a full-time Research Assistant Professor to contribute to data-driven basic and translational research focused on gastrointestinal mucosal biology and inflammatory bowel disease. This non-tenure-track position is designed for investigators with expertise in intestinal stem cell biology, epithelial regeneration, and developmental or disease modeling, with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying IBD pathogenesis and tissue repair. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing mechanistic understanding of gastrointestinal development, injury, and repair to study how stem cell dynamics are altered in inflammatory states.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to basic and translational research programs focused on IBD pathogenesis, epithelial injury, and regeneration, investigate intestinal stem cell dynamics in the context of chronic inflammation including barrier dysfunction and mucosal healing, design and execute experiments using organoid systems, stem cell cultures, and in vivo models of intestinal inflammation, apply data-driven and omics-based approaches including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics, and stem cell lineage tracing, perform and oversee bioinformatic and statistical analyses of high-dimensional datasets, collaborate with clinicians and researchers across the UPMC, including gastroenterology and immunology groups, contribute to manuscript preparation and dissemination of findings in high-impact journals, contribute to grant development, and mentor trainees in stem cell biology, experimental design, and quantitative analysis.

Qualifications

Required: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in cell biology, immunology, gastrointestinal biology, or a related field, demonstrated expertise in stem cell biology and/or intestinal mucosal biology, experience with IBD-related research or inflammatory disease models, track record of peer-reviewed publications, experience with organoid systems and/or animal models

Preferred: Expertise in host–microbiome interactions or immune–epithelial crosstalk, experience with human tissue samples or translational IBD research, prior participation in multidisciplinary and collaborative research teams, evidence of grant writing or funded research involvement

Work Environment

This position is based in Pittsburgh and offers access to the collaborative and resource-rich environment of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. The role supports integrative, data-intensive research at the intersection of gastrointestinal biology, immunology, and IBD.

Please submit your application and CV through the University of Pittsburgh's Talent Center at www.join.pitt.edu, Requisition #/ID: 26003218

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