Application Deadlines: rolling review until positions are filled | Start January-July 2027
| Positions | Postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and research technicians |
| University | University of Chicago – Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Funding & Salary | Competitive salary + comprehensive benefits per university policies |
| Start Date | January-July 2027 (flexible) |
| Application Deadline | Rolling until filled |
| How to Apply | Email CV, cover letter, and 3 references to sundawei@uchicago.edu |
Scholarship Description:
Dr. Dawei Sun’s laboratory (https://voices.uchicago.edu/dsunlab/) in the Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, at the University of Chicago (opening January 2027) is recruiting full-time postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and full-time research technicians.
The Sun Lab combines in vivo functional genomics, single-cell and spatial technologies, lineage tracing, and organoid models to investigate mammalian lung development, regeneration, and disease. The lab seeks to uncover how cells acquire their identities, respond to injury, and interact with their surrounding environments to drive development and regeneration, to help reveal why these processes sometimes fail, contributing to congenital and chronic lung diseases.
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university recognized for its academic excellence, groundbreaking discoveries, and interdisciplinary innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Chicago, it is ranked 9th among National Universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. More than 100 Nobel laureates have been affiliated with the university. Its Biological Sciences Division and Pritzker School of Medicine are internationally recognized for excellence in genetics, genomics, cell biology, and translational medicine, and the university offers state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including advanced single-cell and genomic sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and computational biology platforms, organoid and stem cell culture facilities, and sophisticated animal research resources.
Available Subjects:
- Postdoctoral researchers will lead independent projects spanning lung development and regeneration, functional genomics, single-cell and spatial genomics, and chronic lung disease.
- Research assistants will help establish and maintain mouse models, spatial genomics platforms, and other experimental systems, with hands-on training in emerging technologies.
- PhD students apply through the UChicago Genetics, Genomics and System Biology (GGSB) Ph.D. program (https://ggsb.uchicago.edu/); current PhD students may email Dr. Sun directly about rotation opportunities.
Eligibility criteria:
- Postdocs: Ph.D. in developmental biology, stem cell biology, genetics and genomics, molecular and cellular biology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field, conferred before the start date; at least one representative first-author publication or preprint; excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Postdocs – preferred: research experience in lung or stem cell biology, developmental biology, single-cell or spatial genomics, CRISPR-based functional genomics, organoid models, mouse genetics, or computational biology; experience developing, optimizing, or integrating experimental and computational approaches.
- Research assistants: bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field; prior laboratory research experience; experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, or library preparation; strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Research assistants – preferred: experience with mouse handling and genetics, molecular biology, cell culture, histology, microscopy, organoid culture, or genomics technologies; interest in stem cell biology, developmental biology, lung regeneration, or functional and spatial genomics.
Application Procedure:
Interested candidates should email the following materials to sundawei@uchicago.edu: (1) curriculum vitae (CV); (2) a brief cover letter or research statement describing previous research experience, future research interests, and potential fit with the Sun Lab; (3) contact information for three professional references.
Please use the appropriate subject line: “Application for Postdoctoral Researcher – [Applicant’s Name]” or “Application for Research Assistant – [Applicant’s Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Anticipated start date: January-July 2027, with flexibility based on candidate availability. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits will be provided in accordance with University of Chicago policies.
Explore More Funded Opportunities:
- UC Davis: Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Metabolic Engineering and Synthetic Biology (Yi Wang Lab)
- Virginia Tech: 4 Postdoc and 1 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Biomaterials and Nucleic Acid Delivery (Wujin Sun Lab)
- Penn State: Postdoc and Fully Funded PhD Positions in Chemistry, Bioimaging and Disease Biology (Ruobo Zhou Lab)