Liver Cancer and Ultrasound Imaging Postdoc Fellowship

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a Liver Cancer and Ultrasound Imaging Postdoc Fellowship. The role focuses on translating HyCUS, a hydralazine-augmented contrast ultrasound technique, from bench to bedside in hepatocellular carcinoma models.

The candidate will lead validation studies in a rat model of HCC with fibrosis, define dosing regimens, and compare HyCUS with current imaging methods. Training is provided for missing techniques. NIH funding supports the project.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with animal models is required.
• Experience with histology and tissue analysis is preferred.
• Interest in contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging.
• Strong analytical and writing skills; ability to develop an independent research trajectory.

Responsibilities

• Lead validation studies in an autochthonous rat model of HCC with liver fibrosis.
• Define hydralazine dosing regimen and benchmark HyCUS against existing surveillance methods.
• Collaborate across cancer biology, vascular pharmacology, and noninvasive imaging to translate HyCUS to clinical application.

Skills

Animal models

Histology

Ultrasound imaging

Data analysis

Education

PhD/MD-PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field

Job description

Liver Cancer and Ultrasound Imaging Postdoc Fellowship

Location:

University of Pennsylvania – Perelman School of Medicine

Open Date:

Aug 10, 2026

Description:

Description

Mentor:

Chandra Sehgal, PhD

Hiring Department:

Radiology

Funding Source:

NIH

Number of positions:

1U.S. Citizens and foreign nationals may apply

Project overview

The ultrasound research lab is developing hydralazine-augmented contrast ultrasound (HyCUS), a novel functional imaging technique that exploits differences in tumor versus liver vasculature to improve early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the fastest-growing cause of cancer death in the U.S. Our preliminary data show HyCUS more than triples lesion visibility compared to standard B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and detects small HCC lesions missed entirely by current clinical methods. We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to help translate this promising discovery from bench to bedside.

Research Activity

The candidate will lead validation studies in an autochthonous rat model of HCC with liver fibrosis, working across three interconnected aims: establishing the biological basis of HyCUS, defining an optimal hydralazine dosing regimen, and benchmarking HyCUS against existing sonographic surveillance methods. The investigator will work at the intersection of cancer biology, vascular pharmacology, and noninvasive imaging. The position provides an opportunity to shape a translational imaging technology from preclinical proof of concept toward eventual clinical application.

Qualifications:

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacology, Imaging Sciences, or a related field.
• Background and interest in tumor biology, vascular physiology, or pharmacology
• Hands-on experience with animal models and histology is required
• Interest in contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging
• Strong analytical and writing skills; interest in building an independent research trajectory

We will provide training in any missing technical skills for motivated candidates.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.