How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Genoplastic Surgery Lab (University of Michigan, Section of Plastic Surgery), led by Dr. David Brown, is a basic-translational plastic surgery research laboratory focused on genetic modification of tissues for regenerative medicine, limb loss, and wound healing. Our work sits at the intersection of regenerative biology and gene therapy, using an approach we call genoplastic surgery, a framework for shaping surgical tissues at the molecular level to enable improved repair and regeneration.
Our primary model system is mouse digit regeneration, which stands as one of the few examples of complex tissue regeneration in mammals. We study conserved genes and regulatory sequences that control regeneration and leverage them to build gene therapy vectors and regulatory-element directed expression systems toward the long-term goal of proximal digit and limb regeneration. Additional projects explore gene therapy for other plastic surgery applications, including wound healing and postamputation pain.
We are seeking postdoctoral fellows to drive a project from conception through publication, integrating in vivo mouse work with modern molecular profiling (e.g., single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, ATAC-seq) and quantitative imaging (including confocal microscopy). Start date is July 1st, 2026.
Responsibilities*
- Lead an independent project from experimental design through execution, analysis, and publication.
- Perform in vivo mouse studies relevant to regeneration, including tissue collection and phenotyping (and surgical procedures as appropriate to training).
- Design and test gene delivery approaches (AAV and/or other vectors, plasmid-based approaches, regulatory element/enhancer-directed expression as applicable).
- Execute molecular biology workflows (PCR/qPCR, cloning, library prep coordination) and coordinate NGS with core facilities.
- Perform immunostaining and fluorescent imaging, apply quantitative image analysis.
- Analyze and interpret data using appropriate computational/statistical approaches; maintain reproducible workflows and clear documentation.
- Write manuscripts and present findings; contribute to grants/fellowship applications.
- Mentor trainees and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.
- Responsibilities may evolve as the lab grows.
Required Qualifications*
- PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a relevant field by the start date.
- At least one first-authored research publication with primary data acquisition in a molecular biology-related field.
- Strong molecular biology and experimental design skills, ability to execute projects independently.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Willingness to work in a regulated research environment (biosafety and/or animal research requirements).
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience in one or more of: AAV/vector biology, in vivo gene delivery, mouse models/surgery, single-cell/spatial transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, microscopy, quantitative imaging, computational analysis (R/Python).
Work Schedule
- Full-time
- Laboratory will be located in the Biomedical Sciences Research Building (BSRB) on the University of Michigan Medical Campus.
- Primarily onsite due to wet-lab, mouse, and imaging work; limited hybrid flexibility may be possible for analysis/writing based on unit policy and research needs.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
This is a 12-month term-limited appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on the availability of work, funding, and performance.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.