Overall Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary translational research program focused on developing small-molecule therapies for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD), a rare mitochondrial disorder.

Research in the laboratory spans structure-guided drug discovery, patient-derived cellular models, human disease-relevant model systems, and mouse models, with the goal of advancing promising therapeutic candidates toward clinical translation. This position is supported by the RKMF Rare Ventures program and offers close mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for scientific leadership and career development.

Duties or Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent and collaborative research studies.

• Develop, optimize, and apply experimental approaches in cellular, molecular, biochemical, pharmacological, and translational research.

• Analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and communicate findings.

• Present research at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.

• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant development, and dissemination of research findings.

• Mentor students and research staff and participate in a collaborative research environment.

Expectations or Standards

The successful candidate will demonstrate scientific curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to rigorous and reproducible research. The position offers opportunities to develop scientific independence while working within a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Education / Experience Requirement

Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a biomedical science or related field. Candidates with strong research experience and an interest in translational biomedical research are encouraged to apply. Experience in areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, neuroscience, metabolism, disease modeling, or drug discovery is advantageous but not required.

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