About the Lab:
Freeman Hrabowski Scholar Dr. Juan Alvarez is recruiting creative, collaborative, and highly independent Postdoctoral Scientists to lead new research projects in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about the lab at www.j-radlab.com and about the HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program here
Our lab studies how differentiated cells become functionally specialized, or āmatureā (Alvarez-Dominguez and Melton, Cell 2022). We are particularly interested in how circadian and metabolic rhythms impact pancreatic islet cell maturation (Alvarez-Dominguez et al., Cell Stem Cell 2020), with the goal of building mature human stem cellāderived organoids as models of islet development, physiology, and diabetes cell therapy.
Projects will be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate within the following research themes:
Modeling human pancreatic islet development and physiological maturation
Engineering islet organoids for diabetes modeling and screening applications
Circadian clock ontogeny and metabolic entrainment during islet development
Organoid maturation by feedingāfasting rhythm entrainment
This is a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the interface of organoids, diabetes, and regenerative medicine. The Alvarez Lab is a member of the Penn Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. We provide a multi-disciplinary training environment with strong career development support, mentoring, and outreach opportunities.
About the Role:
As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Alvarez Lab, you will immerse yourself in basic and translational research exploring how biological rhythms shape cellular maturation. Your day might include culturing stem cellāderived pancreatic islets, running circadian feedingāfasting experiments, and analyzing single-cell datasets to uncover how cells transition from an immature to a fully functional state. You will also collaborate with colleagues on organoid engineering strategies, contribute to lab discussions, and integrate your independent projects into the labās broader research program. This role requires scientific independence, curiosity, and the ability to drive new methods and conceptual innovations forward.
What Youāll Get:
Publications & Authorship ā Opportunities to write manuscripts and contribute to high-impact research publications
Inclusive Mentorship ā Direct guidance from Dr. Alvarez and senior lab members, with structured mentoring tailored to self-defined personal, scientific, and career growth
Conference Participation ā Opportunities to present your work at local, national, and international meetings
Career Development ā Support for both academic and non-academic career paths, including transitions into faculty, industry, or other science-related roles
Comprehensive Benefits ā Access to institutional benefits supporting health, well-being, and work-life balance
Mentorship & Teaching ā A lab culture focused on outreach, with an expectation to mentor junior trainees and opportunities to teach and share expertise
What You Will Do:
Lead independent projects within the labās core research themes, from design to publication
Develop and implement new experimental methodologies to advance the labās scientific mission
Perform pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, genetic editing, and multi-omics analyses
Collaborate with lab members and external partners to integrate projects across disciplines
Mentor junior trainees and contribute to lab outreach activities
Present findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences
What You Bring:
Required Qualifications
PhD in Biology or a related field
At least one first-author primary research article in a peer-reviewed journal
Proficiency with standard molecular, cell, developmental biology, and bioinformatics techniques
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation
Proficiency with CRISPR-based genome editing
Expertise in single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomics, or proteomics, including data analysis
Soft Skills
Scientific independence: ability to define and pursue key biological questions
Autonomy: logical and structured approach to experimental design and analysis
Initiative: capable of driving projects forward and synergizing across research themes
Innovation: ability to bring fresh ideas and methods into the lab environment
Collaborative: contributes to a safe, supportive, and diverse team culture
Communication: effective verbal and written communicator that contributes actively to scientific discussions
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the jobās principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.Ā Unless they begin with the word āmay,ā the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are āessential functionsā of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.Ā
Compensation Range
$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMIās salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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