Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate
Med-Plastic Surgery - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26002006)

The Skin Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Lab is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary laboratory focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying skin injuries and the development of advanced skin perfusion technology models. This position represents a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact translational research at the intersection of skin biology, vascular biology, radiation biology, and tissue engineering.

The successful Candidate will work under the mentorship of Asim Ejaz, Ph.D., to design and execute experiments using state-of-the-art wet lab techniques, with particular emphasis on histology, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy/imaging platforms, and next-generation omics. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to take scientific ownership of one or more independent research projects while contributing to the broader team goals of the laboratory.

Primary responsibilities include conducting original research on skin perfusion models relevant to radiation injury, chemical injuries, burn, etc., generating and interpreting experimental data, preparing manuscripts and scientific presentations, and actively participating in the intellectual life of the laboratory. This position offers a collaborative, supportive environment designed to accelerate the fellow's transition to an independent scientific career.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research & Laboratory Work

• Design, plan, and execute wet lab experiments to investigate cellular and molecular responses to injuries in skin perfusion models.

• Develop, optimize, and validate in vitro and ex vivo skin perfusion technology platforms as experimental models of skin injury.

• Perform standard molecular and cell biology assays, including cell culture, immunostaining, protein and nucleic acid analysis, and functional assays relevant to vascular and skin biology.

• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, data logs, and experimental protocols in accordance with institutional guidelines and good laboratory practice (GLP).

• Independently troubleshoot experimental challenges and adapt methodologies based on emerging results.

Scientific Communication & Dissemination

• Prepare and submit high-quality manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals as a lead or contributing author.

• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international scientific conferences.

• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and progress reports in support of laboratory funding.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant scientific literature and integrate new findings into research directions.

Collaboration & Supervision

• Work collaboratively with graduate students, research assistants, and other postdoctoral fellows within the laboratory and across collaborating groups.

• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior lab members (graduate students, undergraduates) on experimental techniques and scientific reasoning.

• Participate in regular one-on-one meetings with the PI and attend all scheduled lab meetings and journal clubs.

• Engage with internal and external collaborators to advance multi-disciplinary aspects of ongoing projects.

Level of Supervision & Independence

This position operates within a collaborative framework with moderate independence. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to exercise scientific initiative and intellectual creativity in the execution of research projects, while maintaining regular communication with the PI. The fellow will have sufficient autonomy to design experimental approaches and interpret results independently, with structured guidance and support provided through regular meetings and open-door mentorship. Collaborative decision-making is encouraged, and the fellow's scientific input and co-authorship contributions are highly valued.

Expectations and Standards

Performance Standards

• Demonstrate consistent scientific productivity as evidenced by progress toward publication of original research findings.

• Maintain high standards of experimental rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity in all research activities.

• Exhibit proactive communication regarding experimental progress, challenges, and timelines.

• Fulfill all institutional requirements for responsible conduct of research (RCR) training and compliance (biosafety, animal protocols if applicable, etc.).

• Contribute positively to laboratory culture by fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.

Scientific & Professional Expectations

• Actively pursue professional development opportunities, including scientific writing, grant preparation, and presentation skills.

• Engage with the broader scientific community through conference participation, networking, and professional society membership.

• Work collaboratively and collegially with all members of the research team and institutional partners.

• Comply with all university, departmental, and laboratory policies, including data management and intellectual property guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Radiation Biology, or a closely related discipline, conferred by the time of appointment.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with flow cytometry (panel design, acquisition, and data analysis).

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with confocal microscopy and fluorescence imaging, including immunofluorescence staining and image analysis.

• Strong foundation in standard cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g., cell culture, Western blot, PCR, ELISA).

• Evidence of scientific productivity, including at least one first-author or co-first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in radiation biology, vascular biology, skin biology, or wound healing.

• Experience with ex vivo or perfused tissue/organ model systems.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and/or image quantification software (e.g., FIJI/ImageJ, FlowJo, Imaris).

• Experience with in vivo rodent models, including basic surgical or imaging procedures (preferred but not required).

• Track record of collaborative, multi-disciplinary research and co-authored publications.

• Experience in grant writing or demonstrated interest in pursuing independent fellowship funding (e.g., NIH F32, K99).

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively.

When applying, please provide the following: cover letter describing your research background, specific interest in this position, and career goals (max 2 pages), current Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a full list of publications; contact information for three professional references (letters may be requested for shortlisted candidates).

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive research team and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

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

Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Campus: Pittsburgh
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Attachments: Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Other (see posting for additional details)

Assignment Category Full-time regular