Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

1d

About The Position

The Benam Lab at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate for an interdisciplinary research program developing and applying human-relevant in vitro models to study vascular biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics, and multicellular tissue interactions. The research is at the intersection of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips), vascular biology, and translational biomedical engineering.

The position focuses on using microphysiological systems to model human microvascular structure and function in physiologically relevant three-dimensional microenvironments, with emphasis on endothelial–stromal interactions, matrix remodeling, and tissue-level responses under dynamic conditions. The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute intellectually and technically to the research program, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze and communicate research findings, and mentor trainees as needed.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Vascular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Experience with primary human endothelial and stromal cell culture and/or multicellular in vitro systems.
• Background in extracellular matrix biology, tissue remodeling, or microenvironmental regulation.
• Strong experimental design, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with three-dimensional culture systems or Organs-on-Chips.
• Familiarity with assays for vascular permeability, matrix remodeling, or mechanobiology.
• Experience with imaging-based, biophysical, or quantitative molecular analyses.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams integrating biology and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental studies using advanced in vitro microvascular and tissue-engineered systems, including endothelial and stromal cell components.
• Establish and maintain multicellular cultures within three-dimensional microenvironments to investigate vascular function and ECM remodeling.
• Perform and optimize assays evaluating vascular integrity, permeability, inflammatory signaling, and matrix-related processes.
• Contribute to developing and refining experimental workflows, including matrix composition, cell seeding strategies, and system reproducibility.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate microvascular data with complementary model systems and analytical platforms.
• 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 laboratory personnel as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree