Translational Reproductive Biology Postdoc (Human Tissue)

Upenn; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in the OBGYN Research group of the Perelman School of Medicine to join a translational program focused on the female reproductive tract. The lab emphasizes human-system biology, organoids, and cutting-edge molecular and imaging techniques.

The successful candidate will lead independent projects, mentor trainees, and collaborate across Penn and external partners, with opportunities to pursue fellowship funding and build an

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent advanced degree in reproductive biology, cell or molecular biology, immunology, physiology, bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture, including sterile technique and maintenance of primary cells or organoid cultures.
• Proficiency in core molecular biology assays, such as nucleic acid extraction, RT-qPCR, protein quantification and immunoblotting, cloning, or ELISA.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills, including experience presenting data to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and independently troubleshoot experiments using primary human reproductive tract tissue and patient-derived organoid models.
• Maintain and expand primary and organoid culture systems, including derivation, passaging, differentiation, treatment experiments, and quality control.
• Perform core molecular assays, including RNA and DNA extraction, RT-qPCR, protein assays, and sample preparation for bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics.
• Perform and optimize tissue-based imaging, including IHC and immunofluorescence on FFPE and frozen human tissue, and multiplexed or multicyclic imaging platforms such as CODEX.
• Analyze, quantify, and interpret imaging and sequencing data; work with computational collaborators to move analyses forward and to interrogate published and consortium datasets.
• Maintain rigorous, organized, and reproducible documentation of protocols, experiments, and data; contribute to lab-wide standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate with clinical teams and study coordinators on human tissue acquisition and processing, in strict adherence to IRB-approved protocols and specimen handling requirements.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations; present work at lab meetings, institutional forums, and national scientific meetings.
• Contribute to grant applications, progress reports, and consortium deliverables, and pursue individual fellowship or career development funding (for example F32, K99/R00, or foundation awards).
• Establish and maintain scientific collaborations within Penn and at outside institutions, including directly contacting other laboratories to learn techniques, source reagents, and resolve technical problems.
• Mentor and provide day-to-day technical guidance to REI fellows, OB/GYN residents, medical students, and undergraduate trainees.
• Participate in shared lab operations and citizenship, including safety compliance, equipment upkeep, reagent ordering, journal club, and onboarding of new lab members.

Job description

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in the OBGYN Research group of the Perelman School of Medicine to join a translational program focused on the female reproductive tract. The lab emphasizes human-system biology, organoids, and cutting-edge molecular and imaging techniques.

The successful candidate will lead independent projects, mentor trainees, and collaborate across Penn and external partners, with opportunities to pursue fellowship funding and build an