Postdoctoral Scholar

The laboratory of Dr. Ernst Lengyel, within the Section of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate methyltransferase biology in ovarian cancer.  This project focuses on how metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells drives immune suppression and metastasis, and how these mechanisms can be therapeutically targeted.

About the Laboratory
The Ovarian Cancer Laboratory is dedicated to bench-to-bedside translational research aimed at improving survival for women with ovarian cancer. The lab studies how the tumor microenvironment promotes metastasis and how metabolism contributes to this process. In collaboration with partners including the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), the lab translates fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic strategies.

This position offers the opportunity to build on recently published foundational work in tumor microenvironment reprogramming, an active and expanding area of research in the lab. [For more information, please reference: Eckert et al., Nature (2019): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1173-8
and Heide et al., Nature (2025): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09303-5]

The lab fosters a highly collaborative environment with close partnerships across immunology, drug development, and clinical oncology. Postdoctoral researchers are supported in pursuing independent ideas, mentoring junior trainees, and preparing for careers in academia, biotechnology, or industry. More information about the laboratory is available here: https://obgyn.uchicago.edu/research/lengyel-ovarian-cancer-laboratory

Scope of Work
The postdoctoral scholar will use a range of cutting-edge experimental approaches to define how stromal-tumor-immune interactions shape ovarian cancer progression and to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities with translational potential. Key approaches include:

• Preclinical mouse tumor models
• Organoids
• Spatial and single-cell multi-omics
• Flow cytometry
• Metabolic profiling
• Cellular and molecular biology assays

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, or a related field
• 3-4 years of hands-on experience with in vivo tumor models
• Strong academic background with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: Epigenetics, Cellular metabolism and/or Tumor microenvironment biology

Preferred
Expertise in:

• In vivo and in vitro tumor modeling
• Spatial and single-cell multi-omics
• Tumor metabolism and epigenetics
• Translational therapeutics and drug development

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research goals
• Names and emails of two references
  Please send application materials to: lengyeloffice@bsd.uchicago.edu

Benefits and Compensation
This position is benefits-eligible. Additional benefits information can be found here:
https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/postdoctoral/benefits-guide/

Additional information for postdoctoral scholars in the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division is available here: https://bsdpostdoc.uchicago.edu/

Compensation in the Biological Sciences Division follows the NIH NRSA Stipend Scale.  
The salary range for this position is: $63,480 - $77,076 per year, depending on prior experience.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a community that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, supports freedom of expression, and welcomes all members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
The University’s Statements on Diversity are available at: https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected classes.

For additional information, please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu.