Natural Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

Natural Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

University of California San Diego

Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range: $69,073 - $74,281 Review timeline: March 16, 2026

Application Window
Open date: March 6, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

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

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• 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.

Preferred qualifications

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.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. with a publication list.
• Cover Letter - A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Contact information for three references.

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04473

Help contact: lclegg@ucsd.edu

Job location
San Diego, CA