Postdoctoral fellow

About the role

Two Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions in Cellular Senescence and Immunology Engin Laboratory | University of Wisconsin–Madison The Engin Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking highly motivated scientists for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. One position will focus on cellular senescence and beta-cell biology, and the other on immunology and immune regulation in diabetes. Our research investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes, with emphasis on the cellular stress, cellular senescence, and immune regulation. Our studies use human islet cultures, mouse models, cell-based systems, molecular and immunological approaches, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis, multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. Representative publications include Engin et al., Science Translational Medicine (2013), Lee et al., Cell Metabolism (2020, 2023), Chen et al., Nature Communications (2022), and Lee et al., Nature Communications (2025). Recent Ph.D. graduates and candidates with prior postdoctoral experience (less than 3 years) are encouraged to apply. Position 1: Cell Biology and Cellular Senescence This position will investigate the role of cellular senescence in beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes. Qualifications A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field is required. Required: Strong research experience in cell biology and cellular senescence Experience designing, performing, troubleshooting, and interpreting cell-based experiments Demonstrated record of impactful peer-reviewed publications appropriate for career stage Highly desirable: Human islet culture and experimentation Mammalian cell culture Molecular biology RNA and protein analysis Senescence assays Fluorescence or confocal imaging Mouse models of diabetes Single-cell RNA sequencing Multi-omics Spatial transcriptomics Bioinformatics and large-scale data analysis Position 2: Immunology and Diabetes This position will investigate the role of immune cells and inflammatory pathways in beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes. Qualifications A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field is required. Required: Strong research experience in immunology Expertise in T-cell biology and/or macrophage biology Experience designing, performing, troubleshooting, and interpreting immunological experiments Demonstrated record of impactful peer-reviewed publications appropriate for career stage Highly desirable: Human islet culture and experimentation T-cell activation, differentiation, and function Macrophage biology and polarization Immune-cell isolation and characterization Multicolor flow cytometry (FACS) Cytokine and inflammatory signaling Immune-cell/human islet co-culture Mammalian cell culture Molecular biology RNA and protein analysis Mouse models of diabetes, inflammation, or autoimmunity Single-cell RNA sequencing Multi-omics Spatial transcriptomics Bioinformatics and large-scale data analysis Experience with transgenic mouse colonies is advantageous but not required. Candidate Profile and Responsibilities We are seeking creative, productive, self-motivated scientists with strong experimental skills, critical-thinking abilities, and a commitment to collaborative research. The postdoctoral researchers will: Design and perform experiments and analyze data Develop novel research ideas Work with human islets and relevant cellular and animal models Contribute to manuscripts and grant applications Mentor graduate and undergraduate students Present research at scientific meetings Develop an independent research program and pursue funding opportunities Application Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter describing their research experience and interests, and contact information for three references. Please email application materials to: Dr. Feyza Engin fengin@wisc.edu Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are applying primarily for the Cell Biology/Cellular Senescence position, the Immunology position, or both. For more information, please visit enginlab.org.

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