Scholarship: Fully-funded (~40,000 USD)
Degree: Ph.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: USA
Application deadlines: Open
Scholarship Description:
Dr. Cai’s laboratory is seeking postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and research assistants. The lab focuses on research related to lung tissue stem cell regeneration, pulmonary fibrosis, and the mechanisms of the adaptive immune system in aging-related chronic lung diseases. The lab aims to integrate single-cell genomics, multicellular 3D lung organoids, and systems immunology to develop new techniques for decoding lung tissue regeneration mechanisms. Research directions include:
- Intercellular crosstalk between lung-resident regulatory T cells and lung stem cells in lung regeneration and chronic inflammation.
- Mechanisms governing the lineage plasticity of lung stem cells during regeneration and inflammaging.
- Inflammatory memory in lung stem cells following recurrent infections.
Dr. Cai obtained a master’s degree from Peking University in 2015 and then pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Southern California and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging under Dr. Heinrich Jasper, graduating in 2021. He subsequently joined the Genentech Research Center under Dr. Jason Rock for postdoctoral research. In January 2025, Dr. Cai will start at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. During his doctoral studies, he published as the first author in Nature and Nature Communications, and co-authored two papers in Science. During his postdoctoral research, he published as the first author in Cell Reports and co-authored multiple papers in Cell Reports and Nature Communications.
Available Subjects:
Immunology, Stem cell biology, Biology of aging, Lung biology, Computational biology
Eligibility criteria:
- Postdoctoral Researcher: Applicants should have obtained or be about to obtain a Ph.D. in biology, medicine, bioinformatics, or a related field. Candidates with first-author publications in relevant areas, a passion for research, strong English communication and writing skills, and a spirit of teamwork are preferred. Experience in any of the following areas will be an advantage: immunology, stem cell biology, biology of aging, lung biology, or computational biology. Compensation: Salary will be based on NIH standards, with annual increments, plus medical insurance and other benefits. Visa sponsorship is available.
- Visiting Scholar: Applicants should be engaged in clinical or basic medical research and must have obtained a Ph.D. in biology, medicine, bioinformatics, or a related field, or be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program. Compensation: Applicants are required to bring their own fellowship. Visa sponsorship is available.
- Research Assistant: Applicants should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Those with laboratory research experience will be given preference. Strong English communication and writing skills, along with a passion for exploring and learning in unfamiliar areas, are essential. Compensation: The starting annual salary is approximately 40,000 USD, with annual increments, plus medical insurance and other benefits.
Application Procedure:
Cai Lab welcomes like-minded young scholars to inquire. Resumes can be sent directly via email to: xcai2@luc.edu.