Postdoctoral researcher in neurodegenerative disease and cancer

Postdoctoral researcher in neurodegenerative disease and cancer

Location: University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine
Open Date: Mar 14, 2026

The laboratory of Professor Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Our work investigates the fundamental mechanisms that drive neurodegenerative disease and cancer, with current projects centered around two major research areas:

1. Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases

Our laboratory has discovered two previously unrecognized protein quality control (PQC) systems involving tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins. These pathways function independently of ATP and exhibit distinct evolutionary conservation-TRIM in animals and polyD/E across eukaryotes-setting them apart from established PQC mechanisms. Ongoing work aims to define their molecular mechanisms, elucidate their contributions to aging and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS), and explore their potential for therapeutic intervention.

2. Tumor suppression, metabolism, and autophagy

We examine the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of the tumor suppressor p53, with emphasis on its control of metabolic pathways essential for biosynthesis and redox balance. Our studies explore how p53 integrates metabolic cues by acting as both a sensor and regulator of cellular metabolism. In parallel, we are identifying metabolic changes that promote tumor initiation and progression. This work has recently expanded to include investigations into how metabolism and autophagy influence the biology of embryonic and cancer stem cells.

For more information about our research, please see the following publications and website:

• Science 381: eadd6696 (2023) PMID: 37499037
• Science Advances 8: eabo0404 (2022) PMID: 35857842
• Nature 597: 132-137 (2021) PMID: 34408321
• Nature Cell Biology 23: 978-991 (2021) PMID: 34497368
• Cell Metabolism 33: 94-109 (2021) PMID: 33159852
• Science 369: 397-403 (2020) PMID: 32703873
• Cell Reports 33: 108418 (2020) PMID: 33264628
• Nature Communications 11: 348 (2020) PMID: 31953436
• Nature Communications 10: 1495 (2019) PMID: 30940803
• Nature Communications 9: 4683 (2018) PMID: 30409970
• Nature Communications 9: 1223 (2018) PMID: 29581427
• Cell Reports 18: 3143-3154 (2017) PMID: 28355566
• Molecular Cell 55: 15-30 (2014) (Cover Article) PMID: 24882209
• Nature 493: 689-93 (2013) PMID: 23334421
• Nature Cell Biology 15: 991-1000 (2013) (Cover Article) PMID: 23811687
• Nature Cell Biology 13: 310-316 (2011) (Cover Article) PMID: 21336310
• Molecular Cell 37: 668-678 (2010) (Cover Article) PMID: 20227371

Lab website: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p20138

Qualifications

Applicants should hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD or MD degree and demonstrate a strong publication record, rigorous experimental skills, and relevant experience in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolism, stem cell biology, neuroscience, cancer research, or animal models.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent through Interfolio using the link below and include:

1. Cover Letter;
2. Curriculum vitae;
3. Contact information for three references.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/183243

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.