Postdoctoral Scholar

Job Title
Postdoctoral Scholar

Requisition Number
DU14228

Department Name
8H007:Biomedical Engineering

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
$50,000 - $60,000

Type of Position
Student

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science or closely related field.

Required Related Experience

• Applicants must have extensive prior research experience in one or more of the following areas: metabolism, single-cell transcriptome, 3D tissue or animal models, biomaterials, immunology, and stem cell biology.

• Demonstrated productivity (first-author publications or strong manuscripts in preparation)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills

Required License/Registration/Certification

NA

Physical Requirements

· Ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods (standing, walking, repetitive tasks)

· Ability to lift and move up to 25–30 pounds

· Fine motor skills to manipulate laboratory instruments and small materials

· Ability to work safely with chemicals, biological samples, and laboratory equipment

· Ability to wear PPE including lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses

· Visual acuity for microscopy and detailed sample observation

· Occasional animal handling (mice) may be required

· Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary depending on experimental needs

Shift

8am-5pm, 40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends dependent upon the requirements of the experiments running.

Job Summary

The Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory in the F. Joseph Halcomb III, M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kentucky has an opening for a postdoctoral scholar research position. The prospective candidate will be expected to contribute to our research program, dedicated to uncovering immune mechanisms and developing biomaterial-based immunotherapies to address diseases, including tissue injury, cancer, and aging-related degenerative disorders. This position will also provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in a multidisciplinary research environment. The initial appointment will be for a 12-month period, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Candidates should apply online with a curriculum vitae and cover letter (research interest & career goals), in addition to completing the standard UKY application. Applicants are also asked to submit two representative publications. The publications should be uploaded as Specific Request 1 in the applicant documents section. Applicants are also asked to provide contact information for three references. The references should be uploaded as Specific Request 2 in the applicant documents section.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Knowledge of immunology and stem cell biology.
• Ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot, and analyze data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred experience for this position includes:

· Experience with single cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq, multi-omic data, metabolomics)

· Experience with immune cell metabolism (Seahorse analysis, metabolism assays, metabolic and immune phenotyping)

· Experience with microfluidic or modular biomaterial fabrication techniques

· Experience with complex 3D in vitro tissue models and in vivo mouse disease models

· Strong interest in grant writing and professional development

Deadline to Apply
04/01/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.