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

Postdoctoral Scholar Position

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.

Position Summary:

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.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• 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.
• For fullest consideration, click the Apply Now button to upload your current CV/resume with publication list, contact information for 3 references, and a one-page statement of research fit and technical expertise describing your prior hands-on experience relevant to this position, and how your expertise aligns with the goals of the Sant lab by Monday, June 15, 2026. Posting closes June 15, 2026.
• Please note that once you have submitted your application, you cannot make any changes. To revise your application, you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and that all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting's close date.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

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. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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.