Natural Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

Lab Overview (University of California, San Diego (Bioengineering)

Research Themes: Matrix Viscoelasticity, Organoids, Immunology, Genetic Engineering

The Mechanotransduction in Immune Network Dynamics Lab at UC San Diego investigates how physical cues from the microenvironment shape cancer and immune cell behaviors, with a vision toward mechano-immunology for precision medicine. We work at the intersection of biomaterials, immunology, and cancer biology to understand how extracellular matrix mechanics influence immune cell migration, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and phenotypes in disease-relevant contexts. Our research blends engineered 3D biomaterials with advanced imaging and molecular tools to elucidate biological mechanisms that can ultimately inform therapeutic strategies.

We are committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually rich environment where scientists at all career stages can thrive, develop independence, and contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary science.

Lab Website: https://sites.ucsd.edu/mind-lab/research/.

Role Description

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join our team and spearhead an exciting project focused on the mechanobiology of cancer-immune interactions. This project will investigate how physical properties of engineered matrices influence immune cell behavior and cancer progression.

In this role, you will:

-Design and synthesize biomimetic hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties

(stiffness and viscoelasticity) to mimic tissue microenvironments.

-Perform and analyze flow cytometry to characterize immune and tumor cell phenotypes.

-Execute standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR, Western blotting, and gene expression analyses.

-Apply confocal microscopy to visualize cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in 3D.

-Contribute to experimental planning, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

-Manage collaborations with other labs and core facilities, coordinating experiments across disciplines.

-Mentor junior trainees and contribute to lab meetings and scientific discussions.

This position offers the opportunity to grow as an independent scientist while contributing to high-impact research at the exciting frontier of biomechanics, immunology, and cancer biology.

Qualifications

We encourage applicants whose experiences demonstrate:

Required:

-Ph.D. (or near completion) in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Cell/Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biophysics, or a closely related field.

-Hands-on experience with hydrogel fabrication or 3D biomaterial systems. Strong

proficiency in flow cytometry and related analysis workflows.

-A solid foundation in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR/qPCR, Westerns, cloning).

-Experience with confocal imaging and quantitative image analysis.

-Excellent organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and ability to manage multiple parallel experiments.

-Demonstrated independence in research and problem-solving.

-Track record of peer-reviewed publications.

-Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within and across research groups.

-Familiarity with 3D cell culture and live-cell imaging.

Experience in cancer biology or immunology research settings.

We are looking for curious, self-driven scientists who are passionate about uncovering biological mechanisms and contributing to a vibrant research community.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information for three references.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

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As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH]

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