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Postdoctoral Positions

CHEN RESEARCH GROUP

Postdoc Position Overview in Xi Chen Research Group

The successful candidates will develop innovative approaches focused on, but not limited to: 1) high-throughput aberration sensing and correction to enhance multiphoton imaging in live animal models (K99/R00), 2) high-content quantitative imaging screening methods for organoids, and 3) applying these new tools to address biological questions in fields such as neuroscience, cancer, and immunology. These roles involve integrating optical engineering, computational algorithms, and machine learning techniques to optimize imaging performance and facilitate groundbreaking biological research (https://sites.northwestern.edu/xiqilab/).

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement advanced optical imaging systems.

  • Conduct experiments involving live murine models and/or living organoids/spheroids to validate and optimize imaging protocols.

  • Analyze experimental data and communicate findings through publications and presentations.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to demonstrate imaging capabilities.

Qualifications

  • PhD in ECE, BME, Physics, or a related field.

  • Strong background in optical imaging, quantitative phase imaging, multiphoton microscopy or related techniques.

  • Experience with computational algorithms and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, C++, Python).

  • Experience with biological sample preparation, animal handling, animal surgeries (e.g., craniotomy), and in vivo imaging is preferred.

  • Experience in Zemax or CodeV is a plus.

  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and a collaborative mindset to thrive in a fast-paced research environment.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least two references to xichen@northwestern.edu.

Postdoctoral Scholar in Cardiovascular Inflammation

We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to join a collaborative research effort between the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University (PI: Lisa Volpatti) and the Comprehensive Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory at the Feinberg School of Medicine (PI: Satish Nadig). This joint position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of engineering, immunology, and cardiovascular biology.

Research Focus: The successful candidate will lead a funded project (3 years of foundation funding) focused on evaluating the effects of novel therapeutic strategies on transplant-associated cardiovascular pathology, endothelial inflammation, and macrophage biology. Our labs use multidisciplinary approaches including targeted drug delivery, synthetic biology, advanced in vitro models, and in vivo disease models.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments in collaboration with engineering and immunobiology teams
  • Analyze data, present findings at internal and external scientific meetings, and prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
  • Contribute to mentoring of trainees and fostering a collaborative, respectful, and welcoming lab environment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in biomedical engineering, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field
  • Experience working with mice (especially murine atherosclerosis or transplant models)
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture, protein expression, flow cytometry, tissue sectioning, and immunofluorescence
  • Strong background in immunology and/or vascular biology
  • Excellent communication skills and growth mindset

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2–3 references to volpatti@northwestern.edu.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.