Postdoctoral Scientist – Martens Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Mentorship

Access to UCSF core facilities

Opportunities to mentor students

Job summary

HHMI seeks a postdoctoral scientist to lead independent research projects in aging biology, cell biology, stem cell biology, and related fields, leveraging UCSF core facilities and strong, cross‑disciplinary collaborations.

The position offers mentorship, fellowship and grant support, a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to mentor students while advancing high‑impact science in a collaborative laboratory culture.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent completed before start date.
• Strong publication record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to scientific integrity and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead independent research projects.
• Design, execute, and interpret rigorous experiments.
• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, seminars, and international conferences.
• Publish in leading scientific journals.
• Pursue fellowship and career development opportunities.
• Mentor graduate students and other trainees.
• Contribute to a collaborative, rigorous, and supportive laboratory culture.

Skills

Independent work

Collaborative research

Excellent communication

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent

Job description

About the Postdoctoral Scientist Role

We are seeking highly motivated scientists with a strong record of research accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, and the potential to develop into independent investigators. Applicants with expertise in aging biology, cell and molecular biology, stem cell biology, developmental biology, extracellular matrix biology, mechanobiology, immunology, bioengineering, biomaterials, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Candidates with strong computational backgrounds and experience analyzing single‑cell, spatial, or other high‑dimensional biological datasets are also welcome.

Current Research Directions

• Mechanisms of tissue aging and regeneration
• Extracellular matrix deterioration, mechanosignaling, and fibroblast biology
• Stem cell niches and intercellular communication during aging
• Engineering ECM‑mimetic microenvironments and regenerative strategies to restore tissue function

Application Instructions

Please include the following items as part of your application: A cover letter describing your research accomplishments, scientific interests, and career goals; a curriculum vitae; and contact information for three professional references.

What We Provide

• An intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and supportive research environment
• Stable research support through HHMI
• Opportunities to pursue ambitious, high‑impact scientific questions
• Individualized scientific and career mentorship
• Strong support for fellowship and grant applications
• Opportunities to mentor students and junior scientists
• Access to world‑class genomics, imaging, bioengineering, and computational core facilities at UCSF
• Extensive collaborations across UCSF and the broader BayArea scientific community
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

What You’ll Do

• Develop and lead independent research projects
• Design, execute, and interpret rigorous experiments
• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment
• Present research at laboratory meetings, seminars, and international conferences
• Publish in leading scientific journals
• Pursue fellowship and career development opportunities
• Mentor graduate students and other trainees
• Contribute to a collaborative, rigorous, and supportive laboratory culture

What You Bring

• A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, aging biology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related discipline, completed before the anticipated start date
• A strong publication record demonstrating scientific creativity, technical excellence, and scientific rigor
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A commitment to scientific integrity, mentorship, and a positive laboratory culture

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Range: $70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

Equal Opportunity Employer & Accommodation

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.