Postdoctoral Associate #4 – Benam Lab – Human Hematopoietic Models and Immune System Modeling

The Benam Lab (https://www.benamlab.net/) at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on developing and applying advanced human-relevant in vitro models of hematopoietic and immune system function. The successful Candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips), immunology, and translational biomedical science.

This position emphasizes the use of engineered human systems to model hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology, immune cell development, and functional responses within physiologically relevant microenvironments. The role will support the integration of immune readouts with multi-system platforms to study host responses and therapeutic modulation.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Associate will play a key intellectual and technical role in the research program. Responsibilities include:

• Design and conduct experimental studies investigating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology and immune cell development using advanced in vitro systems
• Establish and maintain multicellular cultures incorporating hematopoietic, stromal, and vascular components
• Perform and optimize assays to characterize immune cell populations, differentiation trajectories, and functional responses
• Apply quantitative techniques, including flow cytometry, molecular assays, and functional immune assay,s to analyze experimental outcomes
• Contribute to development and refinement of experimental workflows to enhance reproducibility and robustness
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate immune-related findings with complementary biological and engineering systems
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Analyze and interpret data, and contribute to preparation of manuscripts, reports, and grant applications
• Mentor trainees and assist in training of laboratory personnel as needed

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Hematology, Stem Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and/or immune cell populations
• Strong background in cell culture and immune characterization techniques
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex biological experiments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Experience with in vitro hematopoietic or immune system models, including Organs-on-Chips
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, and multiparametric data analysis
• Experience with functional immune assays or host-response studies
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams integrating biology and engineering

Interested applicants, please apply through https://www.join.pitt.edu Requisition #26001853

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.