Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Yajing Gao Lab at the University of Utah School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to lead discovery of lipid-based immunoregulatory checkpoints. Based on campus, the role involves multi-model science, high‑throughput approaches, and collaboration across metabolism, immunology, and pathology groups.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD/MD in relevant fields with strong publication records and a passion for immuno-metabolism and cellular lipid trafficking in immune

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD or equivalent degree in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, chemical biology or related fields.
• Strong interest in immuno‑metabolism, metabolic physiology, and tissue immunology.
• Proficient in independent research and scientific writing (English).
• Track record of publication in high-quality journals (peer-reviewed or pre-print).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies investigating lipid-immune interactions.
• Develop multi-model approaches and high-throughput techniques.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data; present findings at group meetings and conferences.
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and technicians; contribute to grant writing.
• Collaborate with core facilities and external institutions.

Education

PhD or MD or equivalent degree

Job description

Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to lead the discovery of new lipid-based immunoregulatory checkpoints. The position will be based at the University of Utah School of Medicine, ranked among the top 30 public research universities in the nation.

The Gao lab focuses on understanding the regulation and impact of lipid homeostasis in immune cells, as well as immune control of systemic lipid metabolism. Our group utilizes cross-disciplinary approaches, including fundamental biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology techniques, and cutting‑edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high‑resolution imaging, among other high‑throughput technologies, paired with human and animal pathophysiology models.

The postdoctoral fellow will receive systematic training to develop multi-model scientific techniques, and will have the opportunity to lead discovery-based research using high‑throughput approaches to identify fundamental mechanisms of lipid‑immune interactions and lipid trafficking in immune cells, as well as investigating the contribution of these molecular candidates to tissue and cancer immunity.

In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will work closely with a team of interdisciplinary scientists and will be immersed in a world‑class scientific environment of metabolism, immunology, and pathology within the Department of Pathology and the Center for Metabolism.

Individuals from interdisciplinary fields who enjoy fresh perspectives and doing collaborative team science are welcome to apply!

Responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD and/or MD or equivalent degree and expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, chemical biology or related fields.
• Strong interest in immuno‑metabolism, metabolic physiology, and tissue immunology.
• Proficient in independent research and scientific writing capabilities (English).
• Track record of publication in high-quality journals (peer-reviewed or pre-print).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills and ability to work with professional integrity in collaborative and multidisciplinary environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The successful postdoctoral fellow will perform experimental design, development of new approaches, data collection/analysis/interpretation, as well as presentation of data at group meetings, on campus seminars, and national/international conferences.

Projects will involve collaborations with core facilities, colleagues at the University of Utah as well as those at other institutions.

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to supervise undergraduate/graduate students, and technicians assisting with the research. The postdoctoral fellow will also participate in grant‑writing and funding acquisition independently or jointly with the Principal Investigator.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment. Often: Infectious disease, animals, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing and pipetting), walking, standing, sitting. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Preferences

PREFERENCES

Prior training in immunology, cellular metabolism, or chemical biology.

The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record and writing skills.

Highly desirable experience includes:

• CRISPR-based editing and/or screening.
• Flow cytometry, primary immune cell culture, immune phenotyping and modeling.
• Techniques in metabolomics or high‑resolution imaging.
• Cell biology and/or organelle biology.

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

• Cover Letter outlining experiences and interests.
• CV.
• Title and contact information for three references.

Applicants that include a brief project proposal related to our recent work will have priority.

Requisition Number: PRN46570B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: On site, 40 hours per week. Monday – Friday (hours can vary), occasional evenings and weekends.

Department: 00247 - Pathology

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 63,480 - 66,948

Close Date: 01/22/2027

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/211336