Postdoctoral Research Associate - Zebrafish & Lymphatic Biology

Chicago, IL, United States

Final date to receive applications: 11/11/2026

Requisition

Salary will commensurate with experience

Hiring Department:
Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine

Location:

Chicago, IL USA

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities.

UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary
The laboratory of Dr. Yulia Komarova at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate with strong expertise in zebrafish models, lymphatic biology, and in vivo imaging to join a multidisciplinary research program investigating molecular mechanisms of lymphatic regeneration and tissue repair.
Our research focuses on miR-204, a conserved, lymphatic-enriched microRNA that regulates lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) behavior and vessel morphogenesis. The project integrates zebrafish, mouse, and human LEC models to define how miR-204 regulates lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation, migration, plasticity, and regeneration following injury.
Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will have direct, hands-on expertise in the specialized zebrafish approaches required for the proposed work, including:
• Time-lapse confocal imaging of lymphatic vessels
• Endothelial-specific Ribo Tag/TRAP profiling
• Zebrafish genetics, breeding, and transgenic models
• Quantitative analysis of lymphatic sprouting, migration, remodeling, and regeneration
• The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

The candidate will lead and develop zebrafish-based experiments, integrate imaging and molecular data, and work closely with collaborators conducting mouse and human LEC studies. The position provides an opportunity to develop an independent research direction within a collaborative program spanning lymphatic biology, vascular regeneration, miRNA biology, in vivo imaging, and therapeutic development.

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in developmental biology, vascular biology, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related field
• Su…