Postdoctoral Researcher for Cornea Chip

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kim Laboratory at the University of Utah is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead the biological arm of an NIH-funded cornea chip project. The role focuses on developing cell models and mechanobiology approaches at the interface of corneal biology and organ-on-chip engineering.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a related field and a strong track record of first-author publications, with hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and molecular imaging

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Vision Science, Biomedical Engineering) with first-author publications.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and molecular imaging familiarity.
• Experience with corneal or ocular cell culture and organ-on-chip platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the biological arm of an NIH-funded cornea chip project.
• Generate and validate CRISPR/Cas9 knockout corneal stromal cell lines.
• Study curvature and mechanical load effects in organ-chip platforms.
• Identify mechanotransduction pathways in keratoconus.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

CRISPR/Cas9 editing

qPCR

Western blotting

Immunocytochemistry

Confocal microscopy

YAP/TAZ signaling

Education

PhD in Cell Biology

PhD in Molecular Biology

PhD in Vision Science

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

RNA-seq

3D/Microfluidic culture systems

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher for Cornea Chip

The Kim Laboratory at the University of Utah (Department of Mechanical Engineering and John A. Moran Eye Center) is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The fellow will lead the biological arm of an NIH-funded project on corneal mechanotransduction in keratoconus. This project sits at the intersection of corneal biology, mechanobiology, and organ-on-chip engineering, and builds on the laboratory's recent work on curvature-dependent regulation of corneal stromal cells (Nature Communications, 2025).

The successful candidate will generate and validate CRISPR/Cas9 knockout corneal stromal cell lines. They will also study how curvature and mechanical load regulate corneal cell behavior in hydraulically controlled organ-chip platforms, and identify the mechanotransduction pathways underlying keratoconus progression. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Vision Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong track record of first-author publications.

This role requires hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and core molecular and imaging techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy. A solid understanding of mechanotransduction signaling, including YAP/TAZ, cytoskeletal remodeling, and ECM regulation, is essential. The preferred candidate will also bring experience with corneal or ocular cell culture, 3D or microfluidic culture systems, and RNA-seq or quantitative image analysis.

• Requisition Number: PRN46629B


• Full Time or Part Time? Full Time


• Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm


• Department: 00068 - Mechanical Engineering


• Location: Campus


• Pay Rate Range: 65,000-70,000


• Close Date: 12/31/2026