Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate
Med-Medicine - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001854)
Postdoctoral Associate #3 – Benam Lab – Human Intestinal Models and Oral Delivery 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 to study systemic biology and therapeutic responses. The successful Candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips), pharmacology, and translational biomedical science.
This position emphasizes the use of intestine-based, interconnected microphysiological systems to model the oral delivery, absorption, and systemic distribution of therapeutic agents under physiologically relevant conditions, with integration into multi-organ platforms to enable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analyses.
Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Associate will play a key intellectual and technical role in the research program. Responsibilities include:
- Establish and maintain intestine-based Organs-on-Chips using primary or relevant epithelial cell systems
- Design and execute studies evaluating oral delivery, absorption, and transport of therapeutic agents under controlled experimental conditions
- Perform and optimize assays to assess epithelial barrier function, transport dynamics, and tissue responses
- Support multi-organ integration studies to enable PK/PD analyses across interconnected in vitro systems
- Contribute to development and refinement of experimental workflows to enhance reproducibility and physiological relevance
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate intestinal data with complementary organ systems and analytical platforms
- Support data generation, analysis, and interpretation, including integration of findings across studies
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results
- 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 Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or a related field
- Experience with human intestinal cells and models, and/or intestinal transport biology
- Strong background in experimental design and quantitative analysis
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred:
• Experience with intestinal models, barrier function assays, or drug absorption studies
• Familiarity with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) concepts
• Experience with Organs-on-Chips or integrated tissue models
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams integrating biology, engineering, and pharmacology
Interested applicants, please apply through https://www.join.pitt.edu Requisition #26001854
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Campus: Pittsburgh
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Attachments: Curriculum Vitae
Optional Attachments: Cover Letter
Assignment Category Full-time regular
PI284432785