Postdoctoral Research AssociateHuang LabOral Biology

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Huang Lab - Oral Biology

• Hiring Department: Oral Biology
• Location: Chicago, IL, USA
• Requisition : 1038758
• Posting Close Date: 3/18/2026
• Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

The Department of Oral Biology at the UIC College of Dentistry seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct advanced research under the supervision of Dr. Chun-Chieh Huang. The focus is on wound healing and exosome-mediated tissue regeneration, with an emphasis on developing and characterizing biomaterial-based and molecular strategies that enhance tissue repair. A full‑time, 12‑month appointment, renewable annually based on performance and funding availability, in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment involving materials science, cell biology, and translational medicine.

• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and research team to design, plan, and execute research objectives within ongoing NIH‑funded projects.
• Conduct experiments involving primary cell isolation, culture, functional assays, and rodent models for tissue regeneration and wound healing.
• Develop, optimize, and implement laboratory techniques and analytical methods.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, standard operating procedures, and data.
• Analyze and interpret research data; prepare figures, tables, and presentations for meetings, manuscripts, and grant proposals.
• Participate in manuscript preparation and submission to peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
• Train and mentor graduate students or research assistants in experimental techniques.
• Ensure compliance with institutional laboratory safety, animal care, and research ethics policies.
• Perform additional research‑related duties as assigned.
• Engage in special projects as directed.

• Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, or related field.
• Degree awarded within the past three (3) years to qualify for a postdoctoral appointment.
• Strong foundation in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of biological results.
• Demonstrated experience in core molecular and cell biology techniques, including primary cell culture, western blot, DNA/RNA extraction and purification, PCR/RT‑PCR, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence staining.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

• Experience with rodent handling, surgical procedures, or in vivo tissue regeneration models.
• Proficiency in primary cell isolation from animal tissues.
• Experience with lentiviral vector preparation and transduction.
• Proficient in fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
• Familiarity with cloning, gene‑editing (CRISPR/Cas9), or reporter gene systems.
• Experience in biomaterials research or exosome biology.
• Experience in microfluidic channel‑based vesicle fabrication and characterization.

This position is eligible for benefits, including 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, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation.

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.

The University of Illinois Chicago is a Carnegie R1 research institution and one of the largest universities in Chicago, serving over 34,000 students and fostering diversity as a Minority Serving Institution, an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Hispanic Serving Institution.