Research Associate - Kidney and Cardiovascular - Metabolic Disease Research

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Research Associate in the Division of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension to study molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney and cardiovascular-metabolic diseases. The role emphasizes diabetic kidney disease and responses to SGLT2 inhibitors, using single-cell and spatial omics along with functional validation.

Candidates will design and execute experiments, analyze complex datasets, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance

Qualifications

• MD or MD/PhD or equivalent degree required.
• Experience in experimental design and advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with genetically modified mouse models and computational data interpretation.
• Background in kidney, cardiovascular-metabolic disease, genetics or genomics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct biomedical research on kidney and cardiovascular-metabolic diseases.
• Utilize genetically modified mouse models and perform molecular biology techniques.
• Perform computational analyses of human genetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics data.
• Integrate multi-omics data to identify disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genomics

Computational analysis

Single-cell RNA-seq

Genetically modified models

Experimental design

Spatial transcriptomics

Multi-omics

Gene expression analysis

Primary cell culture

Education

MD or MD/PhD

Tools

Genetically modified mouse models

Job description

Research Associate - Kidney and Cardiovascular - Metabolic Disease Research

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Oct 14, 2026

Deadline: Oct 14, 2028 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

The Division of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension in the Department of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania seeks candidates for a Research Associate position in the Academic Support Staff. This appointment will be initially for one (1) year and continuation during that time period and renewal are based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding (limited to three (3) years). Expertise is required in the specific area of molecular and cellular biology, kidney disease research, cardiovascular-metabolic disease research, human genetics, genomics, or a closely related biomedical research field. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in experimental design, advanced molecular biology techniques, genetically modified animal models, and computational analysis and interpretation of complex biomedical datasets. Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, multi-omics data integration, gene expression analysis, primary cell culture, and functional validation studies is highly desirable. Research experience involving diabetic kidney disease, kidney injury and fibrosis, cardiovascular disease mechanisms, or metabolic disorders is preferred. Applicants must have an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent degree.

Responsibilities may include designing and conducting biomedical research focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney and cardiovascular-metabolic diseases, with an emphasis on diabetic kidney disease and therapeutic responses to SGLT2 inhibitors. Responsibilities will include designing and performing molecular and cellular experiments; utilizing genetically modified mouse models to investigate disease mechanisms; performing advanced molecular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, plasmid construction, and primary cell isolation and culture; conducting computational analyses of human genetic, single-cell, single-nucleus RNA sequencing, and high-resolution spatial transcriptomic datasets; integrating multi-omics data to identify disease-associated cellular states, molecular pathways, and therapeutic responses; conducting functional validation studies; interpreting experimental findings; and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams and external research facilities.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to advance their expertise in kidney and cardiovascular-metabolic disease research within a highly collaborative academic research environment at the University of Pennsylvania. The successful applicant will have opportunities to independently design and lead multidisciplinary biomedical research projects investigating diabetic kidney disease and therapeutic responses to SGLT2 inhibitors; integrate human genetics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and spatial metabolomics with experimental disease models; conduct advanced molecular and cellular studies; collaborate with investigators and specialized research facilities; and contribute to scientific discoveries that improve our understanding of kidney injury, disease progression, and therapeutic mechanisms.

The successful candidate will join the Division of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension in the Department of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and participate in a collaborative biomedical research program focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney and cardiovascular-metabolic diseases.

The research program integrates human genetics, genomics, advanced molecular and cellular biology, genetically modified animal models, and computational approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses. Current research initiatives include investigations of diabetic kidney disease and the therapeutic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, incorporating single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, multi-omics analysis, and spatial metabolomics.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with investigators and multidisciplinary research teams to advance ongoing research initiatives within the Division.

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.