Postdoctoral Fellow, Microtissue Signaling Dynamics

The Team

We study how cells within tissues communicate through biochemical signals during disease and immune responses. By collecting multimodal data from tissues and developing advanced microfluidic platforms, we aim to uncover the core mechanisms that drive disease progression and treatment responses. Integrating experimental data with computational approaches—including network modeling, information theory, and machine learning—we seek to identify the most informative indicators of disease state and develop more effective therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

The Opportunity

Biohub Chicago seeks outstanding early-career experimental scientists with expertise in microfluidics and quantitative biology to join as a Postdoctoral Fellow developing innovative devices for culturing and testing various tissues. We welcome candidates from diverse experimental backgrounds—whether rooted in microfluidics, imaging, bioengineering, or other modalities—who bring rigorous quantitative thinking and a drive to tackle complex biological questions. This role offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on in a generously funded, highly collaborative environment at the intersection of technology development, bioengineering, and disease-focused discovery.

Postdoctoral Fellows  will be embedded in interdisciplinary teams applying and developing microfluidic devices to simulate various inflammatory disease mechanisms with focus on skin tissue and/or gut tissue model. The successful candidate will design and execute quantitative experiments—using imaging, fluid handling, automation, or complementary profiling technologies—to dissect cellular heterogeneity, immune cell states, and tissue-level responses in complex biological systems. This role emphasizes both experimental rigor and computational fluency in the analysis of large-scale, high-dimensional datasets.

Projects align with the Biohub's mission to uncover fundamental disease mechanisms and to develop transformative measurement technologies that accelerate biomedical research. Biohub Chicago is deeply committed to training scientists for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

What You'll Do

• Develop microfluidic platforms for skin and/or gut tissue.
• Develop the code to operate various components in the integrated system including fluidic handling (robotic pipette), other mechanical and electrical parts, and imaging.
• Perform the experiments to simulate various disease scenarios.
•  Analyze the data: sequential volumetric images and cytokines or other protein profiles in the biofluid in collaboration with other teams in Biohub.
• Actively collaborate with other teams in the Biohub.

What You'll Bring

• Programming including Matlab, python, and/or C++.
• Cleanroom/Soft lithography experience (Laser writer, spin-coating, DRIE, etc).
• Multilayer microfluidic device fabrication.
• Experience with handling mammalian cell or tissues.
• Experience with advanced microscopy (confocal and/or light-sheet microscopy) Image analysis.

Compensation

The Chicago, IL base pay range for a new hire in this role is $84,150. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. 

This position may be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual performance bonus program. Bonus eligibility and targets are determined in accordance with our total rewards philosophy and may vary by role.

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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