Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Ron Evans

The Evans Laboratory at the Salk Institute seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate pancreatic islet development, function, and survival, and to translate these discoveries into new therapeutic approaches for diabetes. Our research integrates human pluripotent stem cell biology, genome engineering, organoid differentiation, and transplantation models to develop functional and immune-protected insulin-producing cells.

About the role

We are currently seeking a highly motivated junior postdoctoral fellow to join a research program supported by a newly awarded five-year NIH R01 grant. The successful candidate will study the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic beta cells and islet-like organoids and evaluate their function, immune compatibility, and therapeutic potential in vitro and through transplantation in preclinical diabetes models.

• Develop and optimize protocols for pancreatic progenitor and beta-cell differentiation
• Characterize stem cell-derived islet cells using molecular and functional assays
• Perform islet transplantation studies
• Project may also involve genome editing and the development of immune-evasive human islet-like organoids for cell replacement therapy

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in stem cell biology, developmental biology, diabetes research, bioengineering, or a related field.

• Prior experience with human embryonic stem cells or iPSCs, pancreatic or beta-cell differentiation, three-dimensional cell culture, or islet transplantation is strongly preferred
• Experience with genome editing, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays, or mouse models of diabetes would be an additional advantage

Candidates should be intellectually curious, highly motivated, productive, and committed to rigorous and collaborative science.

About the team

The postdoctoral fellow will join a multidisciplinary team of stem cell biologists, molecular biologists, genome engineers, and diabetes researchers working to advance stem cell-derived islet replacement therapies toward clinical translation.

Pay

The full postdoctoral salary range for wet lab opportunities is $70,500–$78,000. This range covers the entire postdoctoral training period; recent Ph.D. graduates should expect an offer at or close to $70,500 (minimum of the salary range).

• Experience Level 0: $70,500
• Experience Level 1: $72,000
• Experience Level 2: $73,500
• Experience Level 3: $75,000
• Experience Level 4: $76,500
• Experience Level 5: $78,000

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Patient advocacy services
• Transit/parking program