Spatial Transcriptomics Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Post Doc - Periodontics - College of Dentistry
Hiring Department: Periodontics
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1037324
Posting Close Date: July 1, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is up to $74,088. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
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
This position is to conduct specific research activities under supervision of Dr. Mariana Reis-Havlat. The candidate will be responsible for important aspects of the research activity from development through delivery by focusing their efforts on the fields of cementum biology, structure and mechanics via animal models and cultured cells. The research focus of the laboratory is to investigate human and animal cementum and uncover potential mechanisms of aging in the periodontium.
Duties & Responsibilities

Report directly to and be mentored by the Principal Investigator (PI) and collaborate with the PI to develop and carry out objectives and design of research and data collection procedures.

Conduct and coordinate advanced research experiments. Analyze and interpret data and results and refine experimental design.

Design and carry out various experimental and animal studies of aging sound and disease conditions using in-depth analytical methods, including RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), microarray analysis and in situ hybridization.

Prepare research manuscripts for publication, present original research at scientific conferences, and engage in peer review of manuscripts.

Generate data, compiling figures and drafting documents for grant applications.

Mentor and teach students at the undergraduate, master's and PhD level in the research laboratory setting.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Work with the PI to develop an individual research career development plan and engage in relevant career development activities.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must have received a doctorate degree (PhD or equivalent) with the last five years and may be appointed to this title for only five years.
2. Advanced degree should be in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, Biomaterials or a related field.
3. The candidate must demonstrate an exceptional academic track record, including a first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
4. Must have a demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
5. Hands-on experience and proficiency in with animal handling (microsurgical technique), cell culture, western blot, DNA and RNA purification, PCR, RT-PCR, immunohistochemical analysis).
6. Experience utilizing basic bioinformatics.
7. Must have excellent organizational and communication skills, and a strong work ethic.
8. Must provide a strong recommendation from a research mentor and/or a primary thesis mentor.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Have experience in handling rodents and isolating cells.
2. Experience with mineralized tissues: bone, dentin, and cementum.
3. Experience with biological big data analysis, proteomic and spatial transcriptomics.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in fostering collaborative research between a dental school and outside entities is desired.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Artificial Intelligence (Al) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation