Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)

Job Summary

The Yajing Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology Division of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to lead the discovery of new lipid-based immunoregulatory checkpoints. The position will be based at the University of Utah School of Medicine, ranked among the top 30 public research universities in the nation.

The Gao lab focuses on understanding the regulation and impact of lipid homeostasis in immune cells, as well as immune control of systemic lipid metabolism. Our group utilizes cross-disciplinary approaches, including fundamental biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology techniques, and cutting-edge metabolomics, transcriptomics, high-resolution imaging, among other high-throughput technologies, paired with human and animal pathophysiology models.

The postdoctoral fellow will receive systematic training to develop multi-model scientific techniques, and will have the opportunity to lead discovery-based research using high-throughput approaches to identify fundamental mechanisms of lipid-immune interactions and lipid trafficking in immune cells, as well as investigating the contribution of these molecular candidates to tissue and cancer immunity.

In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will work closely with a team of interdisciplinary scientists and will be immersed in a world-class scientific environment of metabolism, immunology, and pathology within the Department of Pathology and the Center for Metabolism.

Individuals from interdisciplinary fields who enjoy fresh perspectives and doing collaborative team science are welcome to apply!

Qualifications

• PhD and/or MD or equivalent degree and expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, chemical biology or related fields.
• Strong interest in immuno-metabolism, metabolic physiology, and tissue immunology.
• Proficient in independent research and scientific writing capabilities (English).
• Track record of publication in high-quality journals (peer-reviewed or pre-print).
• Excellent organizational and communication skills and ability to work with professional integrity in collaborative and multidisciplinary environments.

Essential Functions

The successful postdoctoral fellow will perform experimental design, development of new approaches, data collection/analysis/interpretation, as well as presentation of data at group meetings, on campus seminars, and national/international conferences.

Projects will involve collaborations with core facilities, colleagues at the University of Utah as well as those at other institutions.

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to supervise undergraduate/graduate students, and technicians assisting with the research. The postdoctoral fellow will also participate in grant writing and funding acquisition independently or jointly with the Principal Investigator.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.

Often: Infectious disease, animals, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing and pipetting), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Preferences

Prior training in immunology, cellular metabolism, or chemical biology.

The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record and writing skills.

Highly desirable experience includes:

• CRISPR-based editing and/or screening.
• Flow cytometry, primary immune cell culture, immune phenotyping and modeling.
• Techniques in metabolomics or high-resolution imaging.
• Cell biology and/or organelle biology.

Special Instructions

This position will begin January 2027.

Please attach to application:

• Cover Letter outlining experiences and interests.
  CV. - Title and contact information for three references.

Applicants that include a brief project proposal related to our recent work will have priority.

Announcement Details

• Open Date: 10/22/2026
• Requisition Number: PRN46570B
• Job Title: Post Doc Res Assoc
• Working Title: Post Doc - Immunology (Gao Lab)
• Career Progression Track: A00
• FLSA Code: Administrative
• Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
• Standard Hours per Week: 40
• Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
• Shift: Day
• Work Schedule Summary: On site, 40 hours per week. Monday – Friday (hours can vary), occasional evenings and weekends.
• VP Area: U of U Health - Academics
• Department: 00247 - Pathology
• Location: Campus
• City: Salt Lake City, UT
• Type of Recruitment: External Posting
• Pay Rate Range: 63,480 - 66,948
• Close Date: 01/22/2027

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

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To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.