Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Summary

Two postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Sang‑Ging Ong in the Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago. The Ong lab is stably funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and institutional funding. Using transgenic mouse models and human iPSC‑derived cells, the lab seeks to understand the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying various cardiovascular diseases through cellular, genetic, and biochemical approaches.

The lab focuses on two major areas: cardio‑oncology and cardiometabolic diseases, and studies mechanisms related to mitochondrial biology, post‑transcriptional and translational regulation (RNA biology), and inter‑organ crosstalk especially between adipose tissue and the heart.

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on cardiovascular and adipose biology.
• Keep abreast of advances in stem cell biology, cardiac biology, adipose biology, RNA biology and related technologies, and provide forward‑looking input to the group’s research directions.
• Prepare high‑quality manuscripts and conference presentations, and, where appropriate, contribute to grant applications.
• Contribute to mentoring junior lab members and to general laboratory duties.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Recent or upcoming PhD or MD/PhD degree with a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, including at least two first‑author manuscripts with impact factors >5.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: stem cell biology/chemical biology, mouse models of cardiovascular diseases, mouse models of adipose biology, or epigenetics/epitranscriptomics/RNA biology.
• Good scientific writing skills and proficiency in reading and communicating in English.
• Excellent teamwork spirit, good communication skills, and a high level of motivation and independence.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer; please see the university’s non‑discrimination statement and required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.