Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

Postdoctoral Researcher in HSC Aging and Monocyte/Microglia Development

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term

Duration: One year (with the possibility of extension)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh to investigate the mechanisms of aging in adult bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their contributions to immune function. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of stem cell biology, aging, and neuroimmunology, utilizing cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and bioinformatics approaches.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate the age-related changes in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and differentiation potential using in vitro and in vivo models.
• Characterize the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms driving HSC aging and their impact on immune cell development.
• Study the differentiation and expansion of monocytes and Microglia
• Utilize single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), ATAC-seq, and other multi-omics approaches to analyze gene expression and chromatin accessibility in aging HSCs and monocyte/microglia populations.
• Perform flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to assess phenotypic and functional changes in immune cells.
• Collaborate with computational biologists to integrate transcriptomic and proteomic data for mechanistic insights.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to grant writing and mentoring graduate/undergraduate students.

Qualifications and Requirements

Required:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Strong background in HSC biology, immunology, neurology, and aging research.
• Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blotting, RNA-seq).
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work both independently and in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong communication skills with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred:

• Experience in single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomic profiling.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for analyzing omics datasets.
• Expertise in monocyte/microglia differentiation and function in the context of aging or neuroinflammation.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art stem cell and imaging facilities.
• Mentorship and support for career development, including grant writing and teaching opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with institutional and NIH guidelines

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