Postdoctoral Scientist – Mitochondrial Biology

Location: University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine. Open Date: Mar 13, 2026.

About the role

The Bomba-Warczak Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is recruiting creative, collaborative, and highly independent Postdoctoral Scientists to lead new research projects in mitochondrial biology. Our lab investigates how mitochondria are maintained and renewed in long-lived mammalian cells, with a particular interest in how organelle function is sustained over extended timescales in complex tissues. We integrate mouse models, quantitative biochemistry, stable-isotope tracing, and mass-spectrometry–based omics to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern mitochondrial maintenance, bioenergetics, and cellular resilience. Learn more about the lab at bombawarczaklab.com Projects will be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate within broadly defined research themes including: Mechanisms of mitochondrial maintenance and renewal in long-lived cells; Molecular coordination of mitochondrial gene expression and protein homeostasis; Systems-level analysis of mitochondrial metabolism and proteome dynamics; Mitochondrial function in complex mammalian tissues, including the nervous system. The Bomba-Warczak Lab is based at the Perelman School of Medicine's Department of Physiology at the University of Pennsylvania, within a highly collaborative scientific environment that provides access to world-class facilities for proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, and mouse genetics. Our lab emphasizes rigorous science, intellectual independence, and strong mentorship supporting diverse career trajectories.

Responsibilities

• Lead new research projects in mitochondrial biology.
• Investigate mitochondrial maintenance and renewal in long-lived mammalian cells.
• Integrate mouse models, quantitative biochemistry, stable-isotope tracing, and mass-spectrometry–based omics approaches.
• Elucidate molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial maintenance, bioenergetics, and cellular resilience.
• Independently design and execute experiments.
• Contribute to projects aligned with candidate interests in themes such as mitochondrial maintenance and renewal, mitochondrial gene expression and protein homeostasis, mitochondrial metabolism and proteome dynamics, and mitochondrial function in complex tissues.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Physiology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in mitochondrial biology.
• At least one first-author primary research publication in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• Strong experimental and analytical skills in molecular or cellular biology.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments.

Preferred:

• Experience working with mammalian systems and/or mouse models.
• Exposure to mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolomics, or stable‑isotope tracing/metabolic analysis.
• Background in neuroscience or complex tissue physiology.
• Computational/data analysis skills (R, Python, or similar).

Skills

• Experimental and analytical expertise in molecular and cellular biology.
• Proficiency with mouse models, quantitative biochemistry, stable‑isotope tracing, and mass‑spectrometry‑based omics.
• Computational analysis using R, Python, or similar tools.
• Strong independent project design and execution abilities.