Postdoctoral Openings

Position Description
The Postdoc will engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of molecular biology, hypoxia sensing and adaptation, and cardiovascular disease. The Baik Lab at UCSF/CVRI is interested in understanding mechanisms of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, mechanisms of cardio-toxicities with cancer-directed therapies, and dissecting the roles of the innate vs adaptive immune systems in pericarditis. The lab offers a unique interdisciplinary platform for investigating the interplay between hypoxia, cancer treatments and cardiac health. 

The postdoctoral candidate will use in vitro systems (stem cells, primary cells, immortalized cells), rodent models, and patient samples to address unanswered questions in hypoxia adaptation, cardiotoxicities from cancer therapies, and pericarditis. The postdoc candidate will utilize classic molecular biology and biochemistry tools, as well as multi-omics techniques such as spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing. It is expected that the postdoc will independently devise experiments, analyze complex datasets, apply and obtain extramural funding, disseminate findings through high-impact publications, and present preliminary data at leading scientific conferences. This position emphasizes comprehensive professional development, with opportunities to apply for independent research funding, participate in cross-disciplinary seminars, and gain experience in basic and translational medicine.

Position Responsibilities
Postdoctoral scholars shall not perform any clinical duties and shall not have any patient contact. Postdoctoral scholars are defined as -- A postdoctoral researcher is a person professionally conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies (typically a PhD). The goal of a postdoctoral research position is to pursue additional research, training, or teaching to have better skills to pursue a career in academia, research, or any other fields. Postdocs often, but not always, have a temporary academic appointment, sometimes in preparation for an academic faculty position. They continue their studies and/or carry out research and further increase expertise in a specialist subject, including integrating a team and acquiring novel skills and research methods.

Postdoctoral research is often considered essential while advancing the scholarly mission of the host institution; it is expected to produce relevant publications in peer reviewed academic journals or conferences. Postdocs may not perform any clinical duties. The NIH definition of a postdoc is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. The definition emphasizes the importance of mentored training during the postdoctoral period.

How to Apply
To apply please email a Resume/CV to: [email protected]

_{Posted: 10.27.25, extended}

Position Description
The Liu Lab at the University of California, San Francisco, Departments of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (MD, PhD, or MD/PhD). We are a collaborative, basic and translational research laboratory interested in developing new treatments for patients with malignancies of the central nervous system. We are a multi-disciplinary research group with expertise in functional genomics (engineered CRISPR/Cas9 systems), in vivo disease modeling, epigenetics, single cell genomics and multiomics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Ongoing projects include, but are not limited to, novel in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 functional genomics screens in brain tumor models using multi-modal and high dimensional readouts, spatial transcriptomics of clinical specimens and experimental model systems incorporating artificial intelligence and foundation models, molecular mechanisms of radiation and chemotherapy resistance with focus on the DNA damage response, and development of novel genetic and epigenetic editing technologies for in vivo therapeutics development. 

The candidate will have the opportunity to combine preclinical cancer models and patient clinical samples with advanced functional genomics techniques such as engineered CRISPR/Cas9 systems delivered by lipid nanoparticle or viral methods to perform genetic and epigenetic editing for therapeutic application in brain tumors. The candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with other laboratories in the UCSF Brain Tumor Center, across UCSF, as well as collaborators at Stanford and UC Berkeley. This position is ideal for a motivated individual with strong experimental and communication skills who has the desire to gain extensive research experience as a member of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, including the resources and opportunity to develop their own independent research.

Position Qualifications

• Experience with molecular biology, genomics, mouse models of cancer, and bioinformatics are desired but not required. Willingness to learn new techniques is expected. 
• Job Requirements: MD, PhD, or MD/PhD in the Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or another related field. 
• Demonstrated experience in experimental techniques and/or genomics or computational biology.
• Previous research experience working in an interdisciplinary academic environment.

Research Environment / Training Context
The Liu Lab is located at the UCSF Mission Bay Campus, Helen Diller Research Building. The lab has a strong track record of mentorship for candidates interested careers in academic, medical, or industry settings. The Postdoctoral Researcher will work alongside Dr. John Liu, PI and Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery, and other scientists and clinicians across UCSF and will play a pivotal role in supporting the scientific mission of the lab. The position comes with full benefits per UCSF policy, and the salary can be negotiated based on experience and the UCSF payscale listed herein https://postdocs.ucsf.edu/pay-and-benefits.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of references, including contact information to [email protected]. More information can be found at liulab.ucsf.edu.

_{Posted: 10.27.25, extended}

Position Description

We are recruiting highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to develop algorithms and analyses with multi-modal clinical data to guide personalized oncology care. Projects will be tailored to the individual's prior experience and interests but will center on the utilization of computational techniques to drive clinical prediction or discover new clinical insights using routine clinical data (including electronic health records, imaging, digital pathology, and genomic data). Computer vision and multi-modal machine learning are the current priority areas of the lab. The post-doctoral fellow will join a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists in the Department of Radiation Oncology, the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, and the Weill Cancer Hub, with many opportunities involving collaborative science with other investigators. The successful candidates will join a dynamic, collaborative lab and have the opportunity to craft independent research projects with direct mentorship toward future academic or industry careers.

Position Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in computer science, biomedical informatics, or related field and/or MD with a strong demonstrated experience in a computational science-related field
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: foundation models, computer vision, large language models, machine learning 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong record of productivity and teamwork 
• Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and programming ability

Research Environment / Training Context

The Hong lab is part of the Department of Radiation Oncology, the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, the UCSF-UC Berkeley Joint Program in Computational Precision Health, and the Weill Cancer Hub West. Postdoctoral researchers will join a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists across these organizations. They will be encouraged to take advantage of other training and learning opportunities within the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, and other related entities at UCSF. The lab offers opportunities for grant writing, conference travel, and opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.

How To Apply

Please send a single PDF including: 

• Cover letter 
• Current CV 
• Contract information for three references 

Email your application to Dr. Julian Hong at [email protected] with subject line “Postdoc Application – Hong Lab”.

_{Posted: 12.16.25}

Position Description

The laboratory of Dr. Fatemeh (Flora) Momen-Heravi at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is excited to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an NIH-funded research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link periodontal disease with type 2 diabetes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of oral immunology, host–pathogen interactions, and systemic metabolic disease within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at UCSF. The project investigates host–pathogen interactions, immune dysregulation, and metabolic stress at the oral–systemic interface, with a strong emphasis on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to define cell-type–specific immune and stromal responses in periodontal and systemic tissues. Approaches include host–microbe interaction models, primary immune cell assays, flow cytometry, protein and cytokine analyses, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR/RNAi, bioinformatics, and mouse models of periodontal disease and diabetes.

Position Qualifications

• Ph.D. in immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, periodontology, metabolism, or a related field. 
• Experience or strong interest in single-cell genomics is highly desirable.

Research Environment / Training Context

The laboratory provides strong, individualized mentorship with an emphasis on scientific independence, grant and manuscript writing, and interdisciplinary training in immunology, metabolism, and oral biology.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Fatemeh (Flora) Momen-Heravi directly at [email protected]

_{Posted: 12.30.25}

Position Description

The Guo Lab at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking one highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to study aging and age-related diseases (in particular, neurodegenerative diseases), using human pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) and/or mouse models. The projects will employ state-of-the-art molecular, biochemical, pharmacological, and behavioral methods to investigate how aging and neurodegenerative diseases are regulated by genetic factors and pharmacological agents, with potential translational values for treating human neurodegenerative diseases and/or improving healthspan and lifespan. The successful candidates will join a dynamic, collaborative lab and have the opportunity to craft independent research projects with direct mentorship toward future academic or industry careers.

Position Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Neuroscience, Biology, biochemistry, or a related field 
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: in vitro hiPSC-derived 2D and 3D culture modeling (cell culture, microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry), in vivo rodent experiments (behavioral, histology, microscopy, molecular biology, biochemistry) 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong record of productivity and teamwork 
• Candidates with experience in computational analysis of neural data, in addition to the demonstrated expertise as described above, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research Environment / Training Context

The Guo Lab is part of the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at UCSF, embedded within a top-tier biomedical research environment. Postdoctoral fellows will benefit from frequent interactions with complementary labs at UCSF, access to core facilities (imaging, genomics, vivarium), and participation in the university’s postdoctoral professional development & mentorship programs. The lab provides an inclusive and supportive ecosystem, encouraging grant writing, conference travel, and opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.

How To Apply

Please send a single PDF comprising: 

•  a cover letter (please describe your past research, your interests, and your career goals) 
•  a current CV including publication list 
•  names and contact information of three references 

Email your application to Dr. Su Guo at [email protected], with subject line “Postdoc Application – Guo Lab”.

_{Posted: 1.6.26}

Position Description

Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars (ACTIONS) is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow whose research focuses on abortion and/or contraception in the United States healthcare context and who aim to become reproductive health leaders who can transform abortion, contraception and sexual and reproductive health educational programs for future nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals; generate new research and policy on nursing, midwifery, and reproductive health workforce issues; and advance interdisciplinary curricula on reproductive justice. We seek clinical researchers or social scientists with a doctoral degree in nursing (e.g., PhD, DNP) or a PhD, ScD, or DrPH in social or biomedical sciences. Applicants with nursing and/or midwifery credentials will be prioritized.

The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with ACTIONS faculty directors and staff to participate in ongoing reproductive health research, education and mentoring. The postdoctoral fellow will concurrently pursue their own abortion- and/or contraception-focused research and training with the goal of advancing to a faculty or other academic or clinical leadership position at the end of the fellowship. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic research and education to expand nursing and midwifery’s role, reach, and impact in abortion and contraceptive healthcare. The position can be remote.

Position Qualifications

• DNP or PhD in nursing, or PhD, ScD or DrPH in social or biomedical science. Nursing or midwifery credentials preferred.
• U.S. citizenship, non-citizen national status, or permanent residency 
• Demonstrated interest in advancing nursing/midwifery’s role in abortion and contraception healthcare in the US context 
• Doctoral-level training in quantitative or qualitative research or evaluation methods; Curricular and/or clinical training experience in abortion, contraception or sexual and reproductive health preferred.
• Experience with scientific writing and manuscript preparation 
• Strong oral and written communication skills and organizational skills 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Research Environment / Training Context

ACTIONS is an innovative fellowship that provides a unique opportunity to train the next generation of thought leaders and change agents in nursing leadership and faculty positions across the United States. ACTIONS scholars are enthusiastic and passionate about transformational change toward reproductive health and justice. ACTIONS connects, mentors, and supports scholars pursuing pre- and postdoctoral studies at University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The program provides funding for pre- and post-doctoral scholars to design studies that prioritize reproductive justice as the primary approach to reproductive health services provision, including abortion, birth, contraception, healthy sexuality, parenting, and pleasure. Core components of the fellowship are designed to meet the needs of each scholar and foster a collaborative learning environment that is supported through mentorship. 

The program offers the following: 

• Research and career guidance from UCSF faculty 
• Leadership opportunities and network building through ACTIONS-sponsored events 
• Professional development 
• Support in applying for research grants 
• Stipend and educational support funds

How To Apply

Submit application materials as a single PDF via email to [email protected]. Applications received by March 1, 2026 will receive priority review. This position is open until filled. 

Application Materials: 

1. Curriculum Vitae 
2. Cover letter 
3. Research statement (two pages maximum) including the following elements: a. Specific area of research you would like to pursue during the postdoctoral fellowship, b. Summary of prior research or evaluation experience, including a description of dissertation research.
4. Personal statement (one page maximum) including the following elements: a. Interest and/or prior work in abortion and contraception research and training, b. Goals for your postdoctoral study – both what you would like to accomplish and what you would like to gain from it (including training and professional development goals).
5. A recent writing sample (such as a dissertation chapter, peer reviewed publication, or report)

_{Posted: 1.20.26}

Position Description

The Calabrese Lab within the UCSF Lung Transplant Research group has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow interested in immunology and airway biology. The mismatch of host and recipient genetics following lung transplant creates a unique opportunity to address compelling questions with immediate, translatable, clinical impact. Our group studies NK cell immunology, epithelial cell biology and other biologic mechanisms of lung injury, in addition to projects related to Cystic Fibrosis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. 

Position Qualifications

• MD or PhD in immunology or life sciences, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, and flow cytometry
• Bioinformatics knowledge: Experience or willingness to learn R.
• Excellent communications skills: able to work with collaborating research and clinical teams.
• Willing to work with mouse models and human clinical samples.
• Detail oriented, organized, and independent.

Research Environment / Training Context

This position will offer opportunities to master cutting-edge immunology, genomics, single cell RNAseq, and metagenomic methods and develop an independent research focus.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should send an email to [email protected] with the following:

• CV
• Cover letter, please indicate your preferred start date.

_{Posted: 1.27.26}

Position Description

The Xu Lab at the University of California, San Francisco is seeking one postdoctoral researcher to join their team researching CNS neural circuits, neuronal and glial functions, modulation of blood-brain barrier, homeostatic and hedonic regulation of food intake and body weight, and mechanism of action for anti-obesity drugs. The postdoctoral scholar will carry on independent research project to study CNS neuronal circuits and regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. The project will use a combination of mouse genetics, neuroendocrine and molecular biology approaches.

Position Qualifications

The postdoc applicant must have a recent Ph.D. degree, and should demonstrate a passion for science, innovative thinking and the ability to work independently and efficiently. Excellent communication skills, strong backgrounds on mouse genetics and neuroscience are required. Hands-on experience with rodent models is a must.

Research Environment / Training Context

Opportunities for training and professional development include:

1. In-depth theoretical knowledge on CNS neural circuits, neuronal and glial functions, modulation of blood-brain barrier, homeostatic and hedonic regulation of food intake and body weight, and mechanism of action for anti-obesity drugs.
2. Hands-on training on laboratory techniques that are used to study the above neurological and metabolic functions in laboratory mice.
3. Development and utilization of image analysis software.
4. Team-building and working in a collaborative environment.
5. Opportunity to provide mentorship and obtain teaching experience by training junior scientists.
6. Effective scientific communication via oral presentations in group meetings and international conferences.
7. Science writing, grant and manuscript preparation.

How To Apply

Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief description of PhD project and contact information of three references to Allison Xu [email protected].

_{Posted: 1.27.26}