Postdoctoral Fellow

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 71,500; Full time

Job summary

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is seeking a highly motivated, entry-level postdoctoral fellow to investigate molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal aging, tissue degeneration, and regeneration.

You will work under renowned faculty to develop integrated bioengineering and computational approaches, contribute to publications, and mentor junior researchers in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• PhD or Doctorate in a related field is required.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience with bioengineering or musculoskeletal research is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research on musculoskeletal aging and regeneration.
• Develop and optimize organ-on-chip and 3D tissue constructs.
• Integrate multi-omics and computational approaches.
• Perform molecular biology experiments and animal studies.
• Mentor graduate students and junior staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Statistical software

Written & verbal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Doctorate in related field

Job description

Site

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, entry-level postdoctoral fellow with an outstanding record of research productivity and strong potential for an independent academic career. The successful candidate should have demonstrated scientific creativity and the ability to lead research projects, as evidenced by multiple first-author publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals (or manuscripts currently under review). Working under the mentorship of Dr. Hirotaka Iijima and Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio, the fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research investigating the molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal aging, tissue degeneration, and regeneration.

The position offers a unique opportunity to integrate bioengineering, tissue engineering, organ-on-chip technologies, multi-omics, network medicine, computational biology, and in vivo models to address fundamental questions in musculoskeletal biology and regenerative medicine. The fellow will be expected to develop innovative experimental approaches, contribute intellectually to ongoing projects, publish in high-impact journals, compete for fellowship and career development awards, and help mentor junior trainees within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Essential Functions

• Lead independent research projects investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of musculoskeletal aging, joint degeneration, tissue regeneration, and musculoskeletal resilience.
• Design, develop, and optimize advanced bioengineered in vitro platforms, including organ-on-chip systems, 3D tissue-engineered constructs, and physiologically relevant culture models.
• Integrate experimental approaches with multi-omics profiling, systems biology, computational biology, and network medicine to identify mechanisms regulating tissue function and inter-tissue communication.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including primary cell isolation and culture, functional assays, gene and protein expression analyses, and advanced imaging.
• Conduct small-animal experiments, including animal handling, intraperitoneal and intra-articular injections, tissue collection, histology, and molecular characterization.
• Design rigorous experiments, analyze and interpret complex datasets, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and maintain accurate research documentation.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and incorporate innovative methodologies into ongoing research.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of fellowship applications, NIH grants, foundation proposals, and other competitive funding opportunities by generating preliminary data and assisting with grant writing.
• Mentor graduate students, research assistants, and other junior laboratory members while fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while actively contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, biology, computational science, and clinical research.

Qualifications

Education

Doctorate in a related field (required). No experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Experience

Previous research experience 3–5 years preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in research techniques, methods, or research areas relevant to the project.
• Proficient analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Job Details

• Salary: $70,000 - $71,500
• Remote Type: Onsite
• Work Location: 149 Thirteenth Street Building 149
• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Employee Type: Regular
• Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement

1400 The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People‑Focused, half Performance‑Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.