Postdoctoral Researcher – Immunology / Oral Biology
About the role
The Ko Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an NIH‑funded research program investigating host–microbe interactions at the oral epithelial barrier. The research uses periodontitis as a model to understand how excess iron resulting from chronic inflammation alters epithelial and stromal cell function, promotes inflammatory cell death, and drives tissue destruction. The project integrates genetically engineered mouse models, clinically derived human tissues, immunology, spatial and single‑cell molecular profiling, and computational biology to uncover mechanisms linking iron‑dependent cell death with chronic inflammatory disease. The fellow will work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment in Penn Dental Medicine’s Levy Building and interact with investigators across Penn’s biomedical research community.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D., D.M.D./Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in Immunology, Oral Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret scientific experiments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with murine models of disease
- Experience with cell culture and in vitro immunological assays
- Surgical or microdissection experience
- Experience with computational biology or bioinformatics (R, Python, or related platforms)
- Track record of peer‑reviewed publications
What We Offer
- Training in cutting‑edge approaches including human tissue biology, immunology, and spatial/single‑cell technologies
- Opportunities to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Pennsylvania
- Mentorship focused on scientific independence, grant writing, career development, and publication
- A collaborative and supportive research environment