Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)

About the role

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology, Division of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah School of Medicine seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to lead the discovery of new lipid-based immunoregulatory checkpoints. The lab focuses on understanding the regulation and impact of lipid homeostasis in immune cells and immune control of systemic lipid metabolism, using cross-disciplinary approaches including fundamental biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology, cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, and other high-throughput technologies paired with human and animal pathophysiology models. The fellow will receive systematic training in multi-model scientific techniques, lead discovery-based research using high-throughput approaches to identify fundamental mechanisms of lipid-immune interactions and lipid trafficking in immune cells, and investigate the contribution of these molecular candidates to tissue and cancer immunity. The position offers immersion in a world-class scientific environment of metabolism, immunology, and pathology within the Department of Pathology and the Center for Metabolism, with opportunities for collaborative team science across interdisciplinary fields.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments, develop new approaches, collect/analyze/interpret data, and present findings at group meetings, campus seminars, and national/international conferences
• Collaborate with core facilities, colleagues at the University of Utah, and researchers at other institutions
• Supervise undergraduate/graduate students and technicians assisting with research
• Participate in grant writing and funding acquisition independently or jointly with the Principal Investigator

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD or equivalent degree with expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, chemical biology, or related fields
• Strong interest in immuno-metabolism, metabolic physiology, and tissue immunology
• Proficient in independent research and scientific writing in English
• Track record of publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals or pre-prints
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with ability to work with professional integrity in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments

Preferences

• Prior training in immunology, cellular metabolism, or chemical biology
• Strong publication record and writing skills
• CRISPR-based editing and/or screening experience
• Flow cytometry, primary immune cell culture, immune phenotyping, and modeling
• Techniques in metabolomics or high-resolution imaging
• Cell biology and/or organelle biology expertise

Work environment & physical requirements

• Nearly continuously: Laboratory environment; hearing, listening, talking
• Often: Exposure to infectious disease, animals, oils (air or skin exposure to oils or cutting fluids), hazards (proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals); repetitive hand motion (typing, pipetting), walking, standing, sitting
• Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead

Position details

Full-time, on-site position (40 hours/week, Monday–Friday with occasional evenings and weekends). Start date: January 2027. Location: University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology (Campus). Pay range: $63,480–$66,948 annually. Requisition PRN46570B. Closes 01/22/2027 (open until filled).