Postdoctoral Fellow - Reproductive Biology

University of Pennsylvania; Meadville (Crawford County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist for the Bomba-Warczak Laboratory. The successful candidate will lead research projects focusing on reproductive biology, studying how the ovarian microenvironment supports oocyte development.

The position demands rigorous scientific skills and a PhD in Reproductive Biology or a related field. Applicants with publications and experience in mammalian systems, mass spectrometry, or computational analysis are preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research experience in ovarian biology or related areas.
• At least one first-author primary research publication.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments.

Responsibilities

• Lead new research projects in reproductive biology.
• Study ovarian microenvironment and oocyte health.
• Collaborate in a highly scientific environment.

Skills

Experimental design

Analytical skills in molecular biology

Research experience in reproductive science

Computational/data analysis skills (R, Python)

Education

PhD in Reproductive Biology or related field

Tools

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics

Metabolomics

Job description

Overview

The Bomba-Warczak Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting creative, collaborative, and highly independent Postdoctoral Scientists to lead new research projects in reproductive biology.

Research focus

Our lab studies how the ovarian microenvironment supports oocyte development and reproductive function across the lifespan. We are particularly interested in understanding how cellular interactions within the ovarian follicle shape oocyte health, tissue physiology, and reproductive aging. Our research integrates mouse models, quantitative cell and tissue biology, imaging approaches, stable-isotope tracing, and mass-spectrometry–based omics to uncover molecular pathways that regulate reproductive biology and cellular communication in complex tissues. Learn more about the lab at bombawarczaklab.com.

Research themes

• Mechanisms regulating ovarian follicle biology and oocyte development
• Molecular communication between somatic and germ cells within reproductive tissues
• Systems-level analysis of metabolic and proteomic dynamics in reproductive physiology
• Cellular and molecular determinants of reproductive aging and tissue resilience

Environment

The Bomba-Warczak Lab is based at the Perelman School of Medicine's Department of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania, within a highly collaborative scientific environment that provides access to world-class facilities for proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, and mouse genetics. Our lab emphasizes rigorous science, intellectual independence, and strong mentorship supporting diverse career trajectories.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Reproductive Biology, Developmental Biology, Physiology, Cell Biology, or a related field
• Demonstrated research experience in reproductive science (e.g., ovarian biology, follicle biology, oocyte biology, reproductive physiology, or related areas)
• At least one first-author primary research publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Strong experimental and analytical skills in molecular, cellular, or tissue biology
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mammalian systems and/or mouse models
• Exposure to mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolomics, stable-isotope tracing, or metabolic analysis
• Experience with ovarian or reproductive tissue workflows (e.g., follicle/oocyte work, reproductive physiology models, imaging-based assays)
• Computational/data analysis skills (R, Python, or similar)

Application

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, a PDF with relevant publication(s), and provide 3 contacts for references. In the cover letter, applicants should describe their research experience and indicate the experimental direction they would like to pursue in the lab.

Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are welcome to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.