Postdoctoral Research Associate

Princeton University: Office of the Dean of the Faculty: Natural Sciences: Molecular Biology

Location: Princeton, NJ

Open Date: Jan 27, 2026

Salary Range or Pay Grade: $65,000-$69,000

Deadline: Jan 27, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Description

We are seeking an ambitious and driven Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of immunology and regenerative medicine in the lab of Dr. Kai Mesa at Princeton University. The Mesa Lab has pioneered innovative intravital multiphoton imaging techniques, paired with advanced mouse genetic tools, to observe and manipulate immune cell behavior at the single-cell level in live animals. This groundbreaking approach has enabled real-time study of distinct macrophage populations, providing new insights into how these cells drive tissue repair and how aging impacts their function. By joining our team, you will contribute to transformative research that could directly influence therapies for age-related diseases and advance regenerative medicine. For more information about the lab, please visit https://mesa-lab.org/.

Projects will utilize in vivo mouse models, transcriptomic techniques, and advanced intravital imaging to investigate:1) How immune cells localize and adopt specialized functions in distinct tissue niches to either maintain homeostasis or drive age-related dysfunction.2) The molecular and cellular processes that drive immune responses after tissue amputation, with a focus on identifying signals that promote multi-tissue regeneration over scarring. Investigations into immune cell tissue dynamics will utilize a multidisciplinary approach comprising immunology, cell biology, developmental biology and computational biology to complement our primary tools from intravital microscopy. The postdoctoral scholar will have direct access to a brand new state-of-the-art intravital microscopy system within lab as well as extensive support from the various core facilities at Princeton University. The position is open and has a negotiable start date. Although the Appointments are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding. This position will be within the Molecular Biology Department, an innovative, collaborative, and vibrant research environment. Princeton University is in an idyllic college town halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, with convenient train access to both cities. This opportunity is ideal for:1) Immunologists or Developmental biologists (with expertise in mouse genetics, tissue processing/cell isolation, and/or flow cytometry) looking to develop or acquire further expertise in quantitative intravital microscopy. 2) Computational or Cell biologists (with expertise in quantitative microscopy, statistical modeling, cell culture, and/or biochemistry) looking to develop expertise in immunology and in vivo mouse models.