Job Description

About the Lab:

Freeman Hrabowski Scholar Dr. Juan Alvarez is recruiting creative, collaborative, and highly independent Postdoctoral Scientists to lead new research projects in his lab at the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more about the lab at and about the HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program here

Our lab studies how differentiated cells become functionally specialized, or “mature” (Alvarez-Dominguez and Melton, Cell 2022). We are particularly interested in how circadian and metabolic rhythms impact pancreatic islet cell maturation (Alvarez-Dominguez et al., Cell Stem Cell 2020), with the goal of building mature human stem cell–derived organoids as models of islet development, physiology, and diabetes cell therapy.

Projects will be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate within the following research themes:

• Modeling human pancreatic islet development and physiological maturation

• Engineering islet organoids for diabetes modeling and screening applications

• Circadian clock ontogeny and metabolic entrainment during islet development

• Organoid maturation by feeding–fasting rhythm entrainment

This is a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the interface of organoids, diabetes, and regenerative medicine. The Alvarez Lab is a member of the Penn Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine. We provide a multi-disciplinary training environment with strong career development support, mentoring, and outreach opportunities.

About the Role:

As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Alvarez Lab, you will immerse yourself in basic and translational research exploring how biological rhythms shape cellular maturation. Your day might include culturing stem cell–derived pancreatic islets, running circadian feeding–fasting experiments, and analyzing single-cell datasets to uncover how cells transition from an immature to a fully functional state. You will also collaborate with colleagues on organoid engineering strategies, contribute to lab discussions, and integrate your independent projects into the lab’s broader research program. This role requires scientific independence, curiosity, and the ability to drive new methods and conceptual innovations forward.

What You’ll Get:

• Publications & Authorship – Opportunities to write manuscripts and contribute to high-impact research publications

• Inclusive Mentorship – Direct guidance from Dr. Alvarez and senior lab members, with structured mentoring tailored to self-defined personal, scientific, and career growth

• Conference Participation – Opportunities to present your work at local, national, and international meetings

• Career Development – Support for both academic and non-academic career paths, including transitions into faculty, industry, or other science-related roles

• Comprehensive Benefits – Access to institutional benefits supporting health, well-being, and work-life balance

• Mentorship & Teaching – A lab culture focused on outreach, with an expectation to mentor junior trainees and opportunities to teach and share expertise

What You Will Do:

• Lead independent projects within the lab’s core research themes, from design to publication

• Develop and implement new experimental methodologies to advance the lab’s scientific mission

• Perform pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, genetic editing, and multi-omics analyses

• Collaborate with lab members and external partners to integrate projects across disciplines

• Mentor junior trainees and contribute to lab outreach activities

• Present findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences

What You Bring:

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or a related field

• At least one first-author primary research article in a peer-reviewed journal

• Proficiency with standard molecular, cell, developmental biology, and bioinformatics techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human pluripotent stem cell culture and directed differentiation

• Proficiency with CRISPR-based genome editing

• Expertise in single-cell transcriptomics, epigenomics, or proteomics, including data analysis

Soft Skills

• Scientific independence: ability to define and pursue key biological questions

• Autonomy: logical and structured approach to experimental design and analysis

• Initiative: capable of driving projects forward and synergizing across research themes

• Innovation: ability to bring fresh ideas and methods into the lab environment

• Collaborative: contributes to a safe, supportive, and diverse team culture

• Communication: effective verbal and written communicator that contributes actively to scientific discussions

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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