Postdoctoral Researcher

Description

The Wang Laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to study airway epithelial biology using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and human primary airway models. Our laboratory is interested in how specialized airway epithelial cells develop and function in health and disease. A major focus is pulmonary ionocytes, a rare epithelial cell population enriched for CFTR expression. We use human iPSC-derived airway models together with CRISPR genome editing, single-cell sequencing, and functional assays to investigate airway development, epithelial homeostasis, pediatric lung diseases, and respiratory infections. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead an independent research project while working in a collaborative environment with investigators across Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Research Areas

Projects in the laboratory include:

• Developmental pathways regulating pulmonary ionocyte differentiation
• Identification of pathways and compounds that regulate ionocyte differentiation
• Cell-cell interactions within the airway epithelium
• Human iPSC models of lung disease
• Mechanisms of epithelial ion transport and CFTR function
• Airway responses to influenza, RSV, coronavirus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, working with multiple collaborators on Harvard campus and throughout the greater Boston area
• Single-cell analysis of airway epithelial remodeling

Experimental Approaches

• Directed human iPSC differentiation
• Air-liquid interface and airway organoid cultures
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
• Inducible gene expression and knockdown systems
• Fluorescent reporter cell lines
• Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
• Single-cell RNA sequencing
• Airway electrophysiology (Ussing chamber)
• Functional assays of epithelial ion transport
• Viral and bacterial infection models

Responsibilities

• Design and perform independent research studies
• Analyze and interpret experimental data
• Prepare manuscripts and conference presentations
• Contribute to grant applications
• Mentor students and research staff
• Participate in collaborations within Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School

The Laboratory

The laboratory is part of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and is supported by NIH and foundation funding. Fellows have access to outstanding institutional resources, including genomics, imaging, gene editing, bioinformatics, and stem cell core facilities. We encourage fellows to develop independent research directions and provide mentorship in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and career development.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, pulmonary biology, immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team

Preferred:

• Experience with one or more of the following is desirable but not required: Human iPSC culture, CRISPR genome engineering, Organoid or airway epithelial culture, Single-cell genomics, Microscopy, Host-pathogen interactions, Computational analysis

Application

Interested applicants should submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to:

Ruobing (Ruby) Wang, MD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Pulmonary Medicine
Boston Children's Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Email: Ruobing.Wang@childrens.harvard.edu

Pay

Exempt Role: 70,000-77,267, depending on PGY level and experience. The posted pay range is Boston Children's reasonable and good-faith expectation for this pay at the time of posting. Pay offer provided depends on skills, experience, education, certifications, and a variety of other job-related factors.

Benefits

BCH offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible schedules, medical/vision/dental coverage, child-care and student-loan subsidies, generous paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan, commuter and other employee discounts.