Postdoctoral Research Associate, Retzky COP, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Sant lab

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Retzky COP, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sant lab)

Hiring Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Requisition : 1041378

Posting Close Date: June 15, 2026

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 to $55,000.

Benefits: This position is eligible for health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The Sant Laboratory at the University of Illinois Chicago, Retzky College of Pharmacy is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar for a newly funded National Cancer Institute R01. Recent PhD graduates with strong hands‑on experimental expertise are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our laboratory integrates biomaterials engineering, cancer biology, molecular biology, advanced imaging, and multi‑omics approaches to develop physiologically relevant in vitro disease models. The research will focus on understanding how breast tumor microcalcifications regulate tumor progression, phenotypic plasticity, and metastasis using tissue‑engineered cancer models.

• Design and execute independent research projects.
• Develop new experimental platforms and analytical approaches.
• Mentor trainees in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Contribute to existing projects, manuscripts, grant writing, and scientific presentations.
• Biological experiments may occasionally require schedule flexibility to accommodate time‑sensitive cell culture, imaging, or in‑vivo studies.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Have a strong publication record and demonstrated scientific productivity.
• Possess substantial hands‑on experience in mammalian cell culture and hypothesis‑driven experimental design.
• Demonstrate technical expertise in molecular biology, cancer biology, biomaterials, or engineered in‑vitro model systems.
• Recent PhD graduates with strong hands‑on experimental expertise are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Strong technical expertise in at least two of the following areas: 3D cell culture, organoids, co‑culture systems, microfluidics or organ‑on‑chip systems; RNA‑seq, single‑cell omics, or bioinformatics; flow cytometry, imaging, image analysis; in‑vivo tumor models; hydrogel/biomaterials fabrication/characterization.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.