Location: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA

Open Date: Jun 22, 2026

A postdoctoral position to study nasal epithelial physiology and signaling is available in the lab of Rob Lee at Penn. Our lab is part of the Division of Rhinology in the Department or Otorhinolaryngology, and we are also affiliated with and located next to the Department of Physiology. More about the lab's research and recent publications by postdocs and other students, can be found at www.robleelab.com.

Our primary disease interest is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a syndrome of unrelenting nasal and sinus inflammation that affects >10% of the US population. We also study cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that directly affects the innate immunity of both the lung and nasal epithelium. Our work is currently funded by both the NIH and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Funding for this postdoctoral position will come from NIH/NIAID with a focus on modeling CRS using mouse nasal epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. We are specifically interested in the role of bitter taste receptors (taste family 2 receptors or T2Rs), which are expressed in the nasal epithelium and detect bitter bacterial products to stimulate innate immune responses (a review of this can be found at PMID: 37317269). Bitter taste receptors are important in airway ciliated cells, important for mucociliary clearance and innate defense, as well as airway tuft cells, which drive epithelial inflammation. This project will use several unique mouse models to begin to better understand the role of taste receptors in CRS.

The postdoc will work closely with the PI and other lab members and receive training in live-cell imaging and other techniques as needed, potentially including measurements of calcium, nitric oxide, pH, ciliary beat frequency, fluid secretion, phagocytosis, and/or imaging of fluorescent protein biosensors. The postdoc will also be expected to independently or collaboratively develop or learn new techniques as required by the project. Opportunities for professional development (grant writing, review writing, collaborations, conferences, etc.) will be encouraged and supported. Salary and benefit information and postdoctoral policies at Penn are outlined on the Penn Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs website (https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/).

Qualifications

A PhD in a biological science (cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, physiology, etc.) with demonstration of successful completion of thesis project is required. Experience in cell culture, biochemistry, imaging, and/or in vivo mouse studies is highly desirable, but not required. Communication skills, enthusiasm, and good interpersonal skills are essential. We strive to create a collegial and professional team environment.

Application Instructions

Please upload a coverletter, CV, and names of at least two references into Interfolio. Questions can be directed to rjl [at] pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Location: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA

Open Date: Jun 22, 2026

A postdoctoral position to study nasal epithelial physiology and signaling is available in the lab of Rob Lee at Penn. Our lab is part of the Division of Rhinology in the Department or Otorhinolaryngology, and we are also affiliated with and located next to the Department of Physiology. More about the lab's research and recent publications by postdocs and other students, can be found at www.robleelab.com.

Our primary disease interest is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a syndrome of unrelenting nasal and sinus inflammation that affects >10% of the US population. We also study cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that directly affects the innate immunity of both the lung and nasal epithelium. Our work is currently funded by both the NIH and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Funding for this postdoctoral position will come from NIH/NIAID with a focus on modeling CRS using mouse nasal epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo. We are specifically interested in the role of bitter taste receptors (taste family 2 receptors or T2Rs), which are expressed in the nasal epithelium and detect bitter bacterial products to stimulate innate immune responses (a review of this can be found at PMID: 37317269). Bitter taste receptors are important in airway ciliated cells, important for mucociliary clearance and innate defense, as well as airway tuft cells, which drive epithelial inflammation. This project will use several unique mouse models to begin to better understand the role of taste receptors in CRS.

The postdoc will work closely with the PI and other lab members and receive training in live-cell imaging and other techniques as needed, potentially including measurements of calcium, nitric oxide, pH, ciliary beat frequency, fluid secretion, phagocytosis, and/or imaging of fluorescent protein biosensors. The postdoc will also be expected to independently or collaboratively develop or learn new techniques as required by the project. Opportunities for professional development (grant writing, review writing, collaborations, conferences, etc.) will be encouraged and supported. Salary and benefit information and postdoctoral policies at Penn are outlined on the Penn Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs website (https://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/).

Qualifications

A PhD in a biological science (cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, physiology, etc.) with demonstration of successful completion of thesis project is required. Experience in cell culture, biochemistry, imaging, and/or in vivo mouse studies is highly desirable, but not required. Communication skills, enthusiasm, and good interpersonal skills are essential. We strive to create a collegial and professional team environment.

Application Instructions

Please upload a coverletter, CV, and names of at least two references into Interfolio. Questions can be directed to rjl [at] pennmedicine.upenn.edu