Postdoctoral Researcher – Immunology / Oral Biology

Location: University of Pennsylvania - School of Dental Medicine

Open Date: Jul 23, 2026

Description:

The Ko Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH-funded research program investigating host–microbe interactions at the oral epithelial barrier.

Our research uses periodontitis as a model to understand how excess iron resulting from chronic inflammation alters epithelial and stromal cell function, promotes inflammatory cell death, and drives tissue destruction. We integrate genetically engineered mouse models, clinically derived human tissues, immunology, spatial and single-cell molecular profiling, and computational biology to uncover mechanisms linking iron-dependent cell death with chronic inflammatory disease. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment at Penn Dental Medicine's Levy Building and interact with investigators across Penn's vibrant biomedical research community.

What We Offer

Training in cutting-edge approaches including human tissue biology, immunology, and spatial/single-cell technologies
Opportunities to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Pennsylvania
Mentorship focused on scientific independence, grant writing, career development, and publication
A collaborative and supportive research environment

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., D.M.D./Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in Immunology, Oral Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret scientific experiments
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with murine models of disease
Experience with cell culture and in vitro immunological assays
Surgical or microdissection experience
Experience with computational biology or bioinformatics (R, Python, or related platforms)
Track record of peer-reviewed publications

What We Offer

Training in cutting-edge approaches including human tissue biology, immunology, and spatial/single-cell technologies
Opportunities to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Pennsylvania
Mentorship focused on scientific independence, grant writing, career development, and publication
A collaborative and supportive research environment

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit:

A curriculum vitae (CV)
A cover letter describing previous research experience, scientific interests, and long-term career goals
Contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This is a Preview Listing…

You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.

Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.

Find Your Best Opportunity

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

Postdoctoral Researcher – Immunology / Oral Biology

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA