Discovery Postdoctoral Fellow - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research

Research Opportunity

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a significant unmet medical need. This project aims to advance our understanding of mechanisms that influence intestinal tissue function and inflammatory processes by leveraging innovative human-derived experimental systems. The postdoctoral fellow will develop and apply state-of-the-art human organoid and cellular models together with molecular and cellular biology approaches to investigate disease-relevant mechanisms regulating intestinal tissue function and inflammation. These models will be used to improve disease understanding, enable mechanistic studies, and support the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish human intestinal organoid and epithelial barrier models for IBD research
• Develop assays assessing barrier integrity, inflammatory responses, and multi-omics profiles
• Implement CRISPR-Cas9 genetic perturbations in organoid systems to investigate gene function and validate therapeutic target hypotheses
• Execute medium-throughput functional screening of IBD-associated genetic risk factors
• Identify and prioritize novel therapeutic targets based on genetic risk factors and functional screening data
• Drive experimental design, data interpretation, and project advancement
• Analyze and interpret experimental and molecular datasets
• Collaborate closely with scientists across departments
• Present research findings internally and externally, and drive the preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts

Essential Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a relevant scientific discipline completed prior to the fellowship start date
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (publications, presentations, patents, or equivalent)
• Experience with complex mammalian cell culture systems, such as organoids, stem-cell-derived models, or epithelial tissue models
• Strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology
• Interest in disease mechanisms, translational research, advanced human in vitro models, and the integration of human genetic and single-cell omics data
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment
• Strong communication, presentation, and scientific writing skills
• Strong commitment to learning, innovation, and professional development

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with CRISPR-based genome engineering
• Experience developing functional assays in complex intestinal models

Benefits & Perks

• Guidance from accomplished scientific leaders and subject matter experts
• Access to advanced technologies, platforms, and research capabilities
• Collaboration across disciplines and organizational boundaries
• A global and diverse community of postdoctoral fellows
• Dedicated development programs designed to help fellows thrive throughout their careers
• Personalized experiential learning opportunities through a Postdoc Practicum
• Opportunities to present research, publish in leading journals, and build an international scientific network