Postdoctoral Fellows — Immunology and Bioengineering

The Laboratory of Human Biomimetics at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research in St. Petersburg, Florida, is recruiting postdoctoral fellows to develop advanced human microphysiological systems for immune-mediated disease and multiorgan biology.

Our group reverse-engineers human physiology using primary tissues, organoids, microphysiological systems, fluidics, engineering, and computational modeling. A major focus is a newly funded NIH R01 investigating pediatric graft-versus-host disease through integrated intestinal, hepatic, immune, and computational models.

We are recruiting candidates for two complementary profiles. Applicants are not expected to have expertise in both areas.

Immunology and GVHD

We seek an immunologist interested in studying the mechanisms of graft-versus-host disease using patient-derived samples and advanced human in vitro models.

The fellow will investigate immune–tissue interactions involved in GVHD initiation, progression, and therapeutic response using approaches that may include primary human immune-cell culture, flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, functional tissue assays, and single-cell analysis.

Relevant backgrounds include:

• T-cell biology, immune activation, or immune tolerance
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or GVHD
• Mucosal, intestinal, hepatic, or systemic immunology
• Flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, or single-cell transcriptomics

Prior experience with organ-on-chip systems or other new approach methodologies is not required. We are particularly interested in immunologists who are enthusiastic about applying their expertise to emerging human experimental models.

Bioengineering and Platform Technology

We seek an engineer to develop technologies for operating, controlling, manufacturing, and scaling human microphysiological systems.

The fellow will contribute to platform development supporting the GVHD program while working across multiple projects in multiorgan modeling, tissue engineering, metabolism, immunology, and neurobiology.

Relevant experience includes:

• Pumping mechanisms, valves, fluid handling, and perfusion systems
• Programmable controllers, sensors, actuators, or microcontrollers
• Hardware–software integration and laboratory automation
• COMSOL Multiphysics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, or mass transport
• CAD, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or machining
• Bioreactors, microfluidics, or organ-on-chip systems

The ideal candidate will be comfortable moving between computational design, fabrication, system integration, experimental testing, and iterative troubleshooting. Experience in cell biology or tissue engineering is helpful but not required.

Research Environment

The fellows will join a collaborative team spanning immunology, engineering, cell biology, clinical transplantation, and computational modeling. The positions provide opportunities to lead ambitious projects, publish high-impact research, present at scientific meetings, mentor junior trainees, and contribute to translational technologies and intellectual property.

Our laboratory is based at a well-equipped research institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, with access to collaborators and resources across Johns Hopkins, including the Baltimore campus. St. Petersburg offers an outstanding quality of life, proximity to Gulf Coast beaches, and convenient access to Tampa International Airport.

Appointment and Application

Applicants should have a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field and a record of rigorous scientific or engineering research.

The start date is flexible, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

To apply, send a single PDF containing:

• A brief cover letter describing your background and fit with one of the two profiles
• Your curriculum vitae
• Contact information for two to three references

Use the subject line:

• Postdoc — Immunology and GVHD, or
• Postdoc — Bioengineering and Platform Technology

Submit applications to mtrapec1 (at) jhmi.edu.

Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer.