Postdoctoral​/Predoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral/Predoctoral Positions in Vascular Biology and Immunology University of Illinois at Chicago Position Overview

The Zhou Laboratory () in the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is seeking both postdoctoral and predoctoral fellows (PhD students). We are looking for candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Our lab is well-supported by multiple NIH R01 grants and institutional funding, providing an excellent environment for innovative and impactful science.

Our research centers on the lung vascular niche - a complex microenvironment composed of endothelial cells (ECs), perivascular cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). We investigate how these components interact to regulate lung injury, repair, and regeneration. A major goal of our work is to identify novel therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatment strategies for severe inflammatory lung diseases such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) "a critical condition associated with severe COVID-19, sepsis, and pneumonia" and other life-threatening illnesses that currently lack effective therapies.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban public research institution with a Carnegie R1 classification, reflecting its very high research activity. Located in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, just minutes from downtown, the lakefront, and Grant Park, UIC offers a dynamic academic and cultural environment. The UIC College of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, houses the Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine.

For the past two decades, our department has consistently ranked among the top 10 pharmacology departments nationwide in NIH funding. Faculty in the department are leaders in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, cell signaling, vascular biology, lung biology, inflammation signaling, and thrombosis & platelet signaling, with frequent publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Immunology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Immunity, and Cell Stem Cell.

The department leads the NIH T32 Training Program in Lung Biology and Pathobiology and participates in six additional university training grants, fostering a highly collaborative environment with abundant training and funding opportunities. Predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows routinely secure competitive individual awards from organizations including the NIH, American Heart Association, Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Parker

B. Francis Foundation. Our trainees commonly move on to faculty positions or research-intensive roles in the biopharmaceutical industry.

• Design and execute experiments aligned with the Zhou Lab's research program in vascular biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications.
• Work collaboratively with other lab members and departmental colleagues in a multidisciplinary research environment.

• Education: Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., molecular biology, immunology, cell biology, physiology, or related disciplines).
• Track Record: At least one first-author research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
• Soft Skills: Strong motivation, scientific rigor, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Context: This position is offered as a transitioning role for candidates who wish to pursue a PhD degree at UIC in Biomedical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering (BME).
• Education: M.S. in a relevant field (e.g., Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, or related disciplines) with a strong academic record, including a high GPA and co-author publications.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques and prior experience working with transgenic mouse models.
• Commitment: Must be able to commit to the position for at least one year, with workdays focused on laboratory research.
• Priority: Preference will be given to candidates intending to pursue a PhD degree within the Zhou Laboratory.