Vascular Biology, Lung Injury, Immunology, and Regenerative Medicine
The Zhou Laboratory (www.the-zhou-lab.com) in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows and predoctoral fellows/PhD trainees to join our research team.
Our laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of vascular biology, inflammation, lung injury, repair, and regeneration, with the goal of translating mechanistic discoveries into new therapeutic strategies. The laboratory is supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing a well-resourced and collaborative environment for trainees to develop independent and impactful research programs.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Our research centers on the lung vascular niche, a dynamic microenvironment composed of endothelial cells, perivascular cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix. We investigate how cellular and molecular interactions within this niche regulate vascular homeostasis, inflammatory injury, tissue repair, and regeneration.
Current areas of investigation include:
- Endothelial mechanisms governing lung vascular injury, repair, and regeneration
- Macrophage-endothelial interactions during inflammatory lung injury
- Endothelial heterogeneity and angiocrine regulation of alveolar regeneration
- Vascular aging, cellular senescence, and epigenetic regulation of endothelial function
- Metabolic regulation of endothelial survival and regeneration
- Development of regenerative and vascular-targeted therapies for acute and chronic lung diseases
Disease models include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), bacterial and viral pneumonia, sepsis-associated lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, and age-related pulmonary vascular disease.
The laboratory employs a broad range of approaches, including genetically engineered mouse models, molecular and cellular biology, primary cell culture, organoid and ex vivo lung models, advanced imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and multi-omics technologies.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION
Postdoctoral fellows will have opportunities to lead independent research projects within the laboratory's NIH-funded research programs and develop new directions aligned with their scientific interests and career goals.
Responsibilities include:
- Design, perform, and troubleshoot experiments in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine
- Analyze and interpret experimental and multi-omics datasets
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Present findings at national and international scientific meetings
- Contribute to fellowship and grant applications
- Collaborate with investigators and trainees across multidisciplinary research programs
- Participate in mentoring junior laboratory members when appropriate
Qualifications:
- Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, physiology, vascular biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field
- Strong record of research productivity, preferably including at least one first-author research publication
- Experience with molecular and cell biology techniques
- Experience with mouse models is highly desirable
- Expertise in vascular biology, immunology, microscopy, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related areas is advantageous
- Strong scientific curiosity, motivation, communication skills, and commitment to rigorous and reproducible research
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Candidates interested in developing an independent academic research career are particularly encouraged to apply. Fellows will receive mentoring in manuscript preparation, grant writing, scientific presentation, project development, and career advancement, with opportunities to apply for NIH, American Heart Association, Parker B. Francis Foundation, and other competitive fellowship awards.
PREDOCTORAL FELLOW / PHD TRAINEE OPPORTUNITY
We also welcome applications from highly motivated candidates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at UIC in Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related graduate program.
For selected candidates, a research assistant position may provide an opportunity to join the laboratory before transitioning into a PhD program.
Preferred qualifications include:
- M.S. or equivalent degree in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biology, pharmacy, medicine, or a related discipline
- Strong academic performance
- Previous laboratory research experience
- Experience with molecular biology, cell biology, or animal models
- Research publications or other evidence of sustained research productivity are desirable
- Strong interest in pursuing doctoral training and a research career
- Commitment to intensive laboratory research and long-term scientific development
Preference will be given to candidates interested in pursuing their doctoral research within the Zhou Laboratory.
RESEARCH AND TRAINING ENVIRONMENT
The University of Illinois Chicago is a Carnegie R1 research university located near downtown Chicago. The UIC College of Medicine provides a highly collaborative biomedical research environment with extensive resources in vascular biology, lung biology, regenerative medicine, immunology, genomics, imaging, and translational research.
The Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine has longstanding strengths in vascular biology, endothelial signaling, inflammation, stem cell biology, lung biology, thrombosis, and regenerative medicine. Faculty maintain highly collaborative, NIH-funded research programs and regularly publish in leading biomedical journals.
The department is home to the NIH-funded T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in multiple additional institutional training programs. Trainees have access to extensive opportunities for scientific mentoring, professional development, fellowship applications, collaborations, and advanced core facilities.
Chicago provides a vibrant scientific community and an excellent environment for professional and personal development.
APPLICATION
Interested candidates should send a current CV and a brief description of research experience and future research interests to:
Bisheng Zhou, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine
University of Illinois Chicago
Email: bisheng@uic.edu
Contact information for three references and additional materials may be requested during the review process.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
The University of Illinois Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
