Research Assistant Professor

University of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Department of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh seeks a Research Assistant Professor for collaborative research programs at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The role focuses on applying advanced imaging and molecular technologies to regenerative medicine, wound healing, and vascular repair. The faculty member will conduct basic and translational research using preclinical rodent models, in vivo perfusion imaging, and single-cell or spatial molecular profiling to investigate impaired diabetic and ischemic wound healing and develop tissue-reprogramming and epigenetic gene-editing strategies, including Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT), to restore perfusion and promote tissue repair. The position supports interdisciplinary translational program development. The faculty member will contribute to grant submissions and submit grants as a principal investigator. Regular teaching or service responsibilities outside the research group are not expected. The University offers a competitive academic salary, fringe benefits, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell/Molecular Biology, or a related field.
Demonstrated expertise in diabetic and chronic wound healing, including impaired-perfusion and ischemic wound models, using in vivo rodent models and human tissue.
Experience in cutaneous vascular biology, including angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, endothelial and fibroblast reprogramming, and in vivo tissue-perfusion assessment.
Hands-on experience with imaging technologies applied to skin and vasculature, such as in vivo wound-perfusion imaging (e.g., laser speckle), high-resolution confocal and multiphoton microscopy, and single-cell molecular profiling of tissue.
Experience with epigenetic and gene-regulatory approaches, including DNA methylation/demethylation (e.g., TET-mediated), RNA methylation, epigenetic gene editing, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition biology.
Experience with primary skin cell and ex vivo/organotypic skin work, including fibroblast, endothelial, and keratinocyte culture and reprogramming.
At least 5 years of research experience in an academic research environment.
Willingness to work with animals and human subjects.
Ability to multitask and interest in contributing to several concurrent Center projects.
Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) technology experience.

Nice To Haves

Electronic Lab Notebook experience (e.g., LabGuru).

Responsibilities

Conduct basic and translational research in regenerative medicine, wound healing, and vascular repair.
Use preclinical rodent models, advanced in vivo perfusion imaging, and single-cell or spatial molecular profiling to study diabetic and ischemic wound healing.
Develop tissue-reprogramming and epigenetic gene-editing strategies, including TNT-based approaches, to restore perfusion and promote tissue repair.
Partner with interdisciplinary scientists in translational program building.
Actively support grant submissions and submit grants as principal investigator.
Contribute to several concurrent projects in the Center.