Job Description

Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Synthetic Biology and Cell Engineering for Neurodegenerative Disease Research

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
Location: University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
Principal Investigator: Dr. Milos Simic, PhD
Start Date: Flexible

About the Unit:

The Pritzker School for Molecular Engineering (PME), established in 2011 by the University of Chicago in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, is a transformational academic unit exploring the intersection of science and engineering. In 2019, in recognition of our success, impact, and expansion, and the support of the Pritzker Foundation, the institute was elevated to the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering—the first school in the nation dedicated to this emerging field. PME will lead engineering research and education in new directions, solve technological problems of major significance, and continually inspire creative applications of molecular-level science.

Laboratory Overview:

The Simic Laboratory at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering integrates synthetic biology, cell engineering, and neuroscience to understand and treat neurodegenerative disorders (thesimiclab.com). Our research program focuses on developing innovative cell-based therapies and model systems for CNS diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancers. We leverage cutting-edge technologies such as synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) cell engineering to create "living drugs" that can precisely target and respond to disease states within the brain.

Research Focus Areas:

Our laboratory has three main research thrusts:

• Engineered Cellular Sensors for Neurodegenerative Disease Detection and Treatment - Developing receptors that can sense disease-associated features
• Cell Therapies for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration - Creating multi-modal cell therapies combining anti-inflammatory and regenerative payloads for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease
• Synthetic Cellular Perturbations for Studying Brain Function - Engineering cellular tools to model CNS autoimmunity and create systematic perturbation systems for understanding brain networks

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will lead projects and efforts toward the laboratory's broader mission of developing cell-based therapies for CNS disorders. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of synthetic biology, immunology, and neuroscience using state-of-the-art technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute independent research projects related to engineered immune cells and neurodegenerative disease
• Develop and optimize synthetic biological circuits, including synNotch receptors and CAR systems
• Conduct cell culture, molecular cloning, and protein engineering experiments
• Perform in vivo studies using mouse models of neurological diseases
• Analyze complex datasets and interpret experimental results
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and external collaborators
• Mentor graduate students and undergraduate researchers
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Present research findings at scientific conferences
• Contribute to grant writing and funding applications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Cell Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or related field
• Strong background in molecular biology, cell culture, and protein engineering
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection techniques
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, Western blotting, flow cytometry)
• Experience with data analysis and statistical software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience and knowledge of models of neurodegeneration, including in vitro and in vivo systems for studying disease mechanisms
• Familiarity with neuroscience techniques and CNS biology
• Experience with spatial transcriptomics technologies (e.g., Visium, MERFISH, Slide-seq) and associated computational analysis pipelines
• Experience with synthetic biology approaches and circuit design
• Familiarity with CRISPR-Cas9 screening approaches, including genome-wide or targeted pooled screens, for functional genomics studies
• Experience with advanced microscopy and imaging techniques
• Background in immunology, particularly T cell biology or CAR-T cell engineering
• Programming skills in R, Python, or MATLAB
• Prior experience with protein misfolding or neurodegenerative disease research
• Experience with cell engineering platforms (lentiviral systems, CRISPR/Cas9)

What We Offer:

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Collaborative research environment with access to clinical collaborators
• Support for attending scientific conferences and professional meetings
• Mentorship in grant writing and career development
• Potential for translational research opportunities with clinical applications
• Entrepreneurial opportunities : Given the translational nature of our research and the robust biotech ecosystem in the Chicago area, successful projects may lead to opportunities for industry partnerships, startup ventures, or spin-off companies
• Access to the University of Chicago's innovation and entrepreneurship resources, including the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Networking opportunities with the vibrant Chicago biotech and pharmaceutical industry

Application Materials:

Please submit the following materials:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Current CV including publication list
• Contact information for three professional references
• Representative publications or preprints (up to 3)
• Brief research statement (1-2 pages) outlining how your background aligns with our research goals

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted via email to simic@uchicago.edu with the subject line "Postdoctoral Application - [Your Name]". Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

This position is benefits-eligible, and information regarding benefits can be found at

Additional information for postdocs in the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering can be found at

Compensation in the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering follows the NIH NRSA Stipend scale. The pay range for this position is $62,232 - $67,824.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. 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 with their request.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,232.00 - $67,824.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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