A fully funded postdoctoral fellow position is immediately available under the mentorship of Drs. George K. Michalopoulos and Bharat Bhushan at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. Our laboratory is a pioneer in conducting research for liver regenerative medicine (see Michalopoulos and Bhushan, Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021; PMID: 32764740). Our lab currently has an exciting opening to conduct R01-funded research, aimed at developing therapies and understanding the mechanisms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) utilizing state-of-the-art transgenic models and -omics approach. NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting 25% of the world's population. Alarmingly, there is currently no approved pharmacological treatment for NAFLD. Our recent studies have focused on developing novel therapeutics for NAFLD based on growth factor receptor signaling (see Bhushan et al. Hepatology 2019; PMID: 31063640), but we are open to independent directions led by the future fellow. Our department and affiliated Pittsburgh Liver Research Center is world-renowned for cutting-edge liver research and is a hub for leading investigators in liver biology. Dr. Michalopoulos is a pioneer in studying liver regeneration who discovered hepatocytes growth factor (HGF) and is one of the most cited liver researchers (>40,000 citations). He and several research fellows under his mentorship have consistently published in the most prestigious scientific journals such as Nature and Science. He has successfully trained numerous fellows to become prominent scientific leaders in liver biology and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity for self-driven and creative individuals to build their careers and make seminal contributions to the field of liver biology.

Qualifications or Expectations:

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a biomedical field. Possible disciplines include but are not limited to molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.
• Candidates with training in liver biology would be preferred, but this is not essential to apply for this position.
• The ideal candidate will have experience and skills in cell and molecular biology. However, necessary training can be provided by our skilled technical staff upon joining. The ability to think critically and eagerness to learn are the most important criteria.

Opportunities Available:

• Career development of the trainees is the topmost priority of our lab. Dr. Michalopoulos has trained several fellows who have risen to become world leaders in our field. Trainees will receive personalized mentoring toward their career goals and future transition to a research career in academia or industry as per their interests.
• Fellows will be mentored to lead independent research projects, to prepare high-impact publications and to write successful grants.
• Opportunities will be provided to learn cutting-edge techniques available in our world-renowned Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, perform state-of-the-art omics experiments and conduct collaborative research with world leaders in the field of liver biology.
• Opportunities will be provided to present at national/international scientific meetings, and apply for postdoctoral fellowships and awards. Additional career development opportunities are available through the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
• Sponsorship of Visa, if required, will be available.
• The University of Pittsburgh consistently ranks in the top five of NIH biomedical research funding and Pittsburgh has been consistently voted as one of the top livable cities in the US.

Duties or Responsibilities:

• To conduct research aimed at developing therapies and understanding the mechanisms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) utilizing state-of-the-art transgenic models and -omics approach.

For more info about this position, visit:https://www.path.pitt.edu/people/george-k-michalopoulos-md-phd

Application Instructions:

visit join.pitt.edu and View Requisition Number (23000376) to apply