Postdoctoral Fellow

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

Job summary

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation in Boston invites an entry-level postdoctoral fellow to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms of musculoskeletal aging and regeneration. The role integrates bioengineering, organ-on-chip, multi-omics, and in vivo models to address fundamental questions in regenerative medicine.

The fellow will develop innovative experimental approaches, publish in high-impact journals, mentor junior

Qualifications

• Doctorate in a related field is required.
• 3–5 years of prior research experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects on musculoskeletal aging, joint degeneration, tissue regeneration.
• Design and optimize bioengineered in vitro platforms and organ-on-chip systems.
• Integrate multi-omics and computational analyses with experimental data.
• Perform molecular biology, imaging, and small-animal experiments as needed.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant applications; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Research techniques

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

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.

Education

Doctorate Related Field of Study required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

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.

$70,000 - $71,500

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. 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.