Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

About the role

The Benam Lab at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on developing and applying advanced human-relevant in vitro models to study systemic biology and therapeutic responses. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of microphysiological systems (Organs-on-Chips), pharmacology, and translational biomedical science.

This position emphasizes the use of intestine-based, interconnected microphysiological systems to model the oral delivery, absorption, and systemic distribution of therapeutic agents under physiologically relevant conditions, with integration into multi-organ platforms to enable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analyses.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain intestine-based Organs-on-Chips using primary or relevant epithelial cell systems
• Design and execute studies evaluating oral delivery, absorption, and transport of therapeutic agents under controlled experimental conditions
• Perform and optimize assays to assess epithelial barrier function, transport dynamics, and tissue responses
• Support multi-organ integration studies to enable PK/PD analyses across interconnected in vitro systems
• Contribute to development and refinement of experimental workflows to enhance reproducibility and physiological relevance
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate intestinal data with complementary organ systems and analytical platforms
• Support data generation, analysis, and interpretation, including integration of findings across studies
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Contribute to preparation of manuscripts, reports, and grant applications
• Mentor trainees and assist in training of laboratory personnel as needed

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, or a related field
• Experience with human intestinal cells and models, and/or intestinal transport biology
• Strong background in experimental design and quantitative analysis
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

• Experience with intestinal models, barrier function assays, or drug absorption studies
• Familiarity with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) concepts
• Experience with Organs-on-Chips or integrated tissue models
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams integrating biology, engineering, and pharmacology

Additional information

Assignment Category: Full-time regular. Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable. Required Attachments: Curriculum Vitae. Optional Attachments: Cover Letter.