Postdoctoral Fellow Positions
Postdoctoral Position in Oral Microbiome Lab
Posted: May 19, 2026
An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou, DDS, PhD, at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in Farmington, CT. The laboratory is focused on translating the oral microbiome to clinical applications for the prevention of severe oral fungal infection in immunocompromised hosts. Specifically, work in this project will explore probiotic bacterial mechanisms that leverage the interactions between resident host bacterial microbiota, oral epithelial cells and opportunistic pathogenic fungi. The project is expected to advance the search for alternative microbiome-targeted therapies in fungal infections. The successful candidate will primarily investigate the functional role of Lactobacillus johnsonii in changing the composition of the oral microbiome via deep metagenomic shotgun sequencing, using mouse models of oral fungal infection. Oral infection models will include mouse co-housing and microbiota transfer approaches. The candidate will also perform in vitro validation of hypotheses generated through the mouse studies, particularly as they pertain to Lactobacillus-mediated protection of the mucosal barrier from fungal breach.
The fellow will be trained to work with mouse, organotypic and other in vitro polymicrobial systems/models and will be mentored in grant writing.
Preferred Qualifications
• PhD in microbiology or related field with emphasis on metagenomics or host-pathogen interactions
• Working knowledge in metagenome sequencing and data analysis
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of metagenomes (such as metagenome-assembled genomes, comparative genomics, functional annotation of metagenomes)
• Experience in general microbiology and molecular techniques such as bacterial isolation and cultivation, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, etc
The successful candidate will benefit from a community of interactive research labs, and co-mentoring by microbiome bioinformatics experts, as well as a variety of sequencing, and computational resources available at University of Connecticut, Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine. To apply, please send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Dr. Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou, Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, via e-mail: adongari@uchc.edu.
Postdoctoral Position in Bacterial Protein Synthesis Regulation
Posted: April 16, 2026
The Vargas-Rodriguez lab at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Farmington, CT)
is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our team studying survival strategies of human
pathogenic bacteria with a focus on mechanisms of protein synthesis regulation. We combine
biochemical, molecular, cellular, biophysical, multi-omics, and computational approaches to
investigate how microbes (e.g., Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas) respond to
environmental and physiological stress.
What the lab offers
In addition to our exciting research program, the Vargas-Rodriguez Lab is invested in training
the next generation of scientists in a vibrant, highly collaborative, and supportive research
environment. The postdoctoral fellow will receive training, access to resources, a dedicated
mentoring plan, and guidance for advancing their career.
Required qualifications
We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a track record of research
accomplishments, including first-author publication(s). Applicants should have, or be in the
process of completing, a Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or
related fields. Strong candidates will be creative, independent, and able to work as part of a
diverse, multidisciplinary team. Prior experiences should demonstrate their dedication to
developing their experience in teamwork, leadership, innovation, and scientific inquiry.
Preferred qualifications
Experience working with ESKAPE species, protein synthesis, or RNA biology is a plus.
Qualified candidates should email the following materials to Dr. Oscar Vargas-Rodriguez at
vargasrodriguez@uchc.edu:
1) a one-page cover letter describing research experience, including experimental
approaches and relevant skills,
2) a complete curriculum vitae,
3) the names and email addresses of three references
Postdoctoral Position Available in Skin Research
Posted: December 16, 2025
A postdoctoral position is available in a NIH funded laboratory with interest in mechanisms of wound healing, specifically keloid formation.
Candidates must have PhD, MD/PhD, or MD or equivalent and must be highly motivated.
The successful applicant will have strong background in SKIN RESEARCH, wound healing, fibrosis or inflammatory disorders with technical expertise in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), immunology, cell biology or signal transduction.
Our newly renovated laboratory is embedded in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development at University of Connecticut Health within a vibrant research environment.
Candidates must be innovative, enthusiastic and have a solid technical background in at least one of these areas: molecular biology, cell biology, stem cell biology or signal transduction. The successful applicant must be motivated and capable of engaging in other areas of expertise as required by the project. The dynamics of this research project requires the ability for multitasking, to work independently as well as collaboratively with other lab members and external collaborators.
Please send CV, statement of research interests, research accomplishments, and contact information for 3 references to:
Ernst Reichenberger, PhD
University of Connecticut Health
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030-3705
Tel: 860-679-2062
email: reichenberger@uchc.edu
visit us at: https://health.uconn.edu/reichenberger-lab/
UConn Health is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EEO and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer.
Postdoctoral Position – Lyme Disease Pathogenesis and Gene Regulation
Posted: November 25, 2025
The Spirochete Research Labs (SRL) at UConn Health seek a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our team studying Borrelia burgdorferi genetics, gene regulation, and Lyme disease
pathogenesis. This position offers the opportunity to make fundamental contributions to our understanding of spirochete biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying Lyme disease. Our
work uses cutting-edge approaches including structural modeling, mutagenesis, transcriptomics (RNA-seq and bait-capture enrichment RNA-seq), fluorescent reporters, and tick/animal infection models to uncover how B. burgdorferi persists within its enzootic cycle.
Required qualifications:
• Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology or a related field
• Expertise in advanced DNA/RNA methodologies, recombinant protein expression and
purification, and murine models of infection.
• Strong foundation in prokaryotic gene regulation and microbial pathogenesis
Preferred qualifications:
Experience with site-directed mutagenesis, genome-wide transcriptomics, structural modeling, and analysis of protein–protein/nucleic acid interactions.
Postdoctoral fellows in the SRL benefit from a highly collaborative and supportive training environment. The group has a strong commitment to career development, including close
mentorship from senior faculty, opportunities for independent project leadership, and guidance in grant writing, teaching, and professional networking. Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art resources at UConn Health and are encouraged to present their work at national and international meetings. SRL values diversity and strives to provide an inclusive environment that supports the growth of scientists from all backgrounds
Application
Please send (1) curriculum vitae and (2) contact information for three references to Dr. Melissa Caimano at mcaima@uchc.edu, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030-3715.
Postdoctoral Position – Child Psychiatry
Posted: November 5, 2025
The UConn Health Department of Psychiatry is seeking a full-time postdoctoral fellow to join the Child/Adolescent Anxiety & Mood Program (CAMP) laboratory, led by Dr. Golda Ginsburg, PhD. This position will be responsible for independently performing related support tasks for assigned clinical research projects/programs or segments of programs/projects.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Performs a range of duties in conducting clinical research, provides support services for assigned research projects; assists higher level research staff on assigned projects; receives and executes assignments in designated research protocols, procedures, techniques and equipment; prepares IRB applications, consent forms, annual reports and continuations and maintains other regulatory documents; performs data entry, querying, editing and retrieval; reviews study data report forms for completeness; disseminates information to other research staff; receives training in designated research protocols; performs other related duties as assigned including:
• Recruitment of study participants and data collections from study participants across studies
• Study Participant Outreach: involves maintaining positive working relationships with schools, clinics, through email and phone and in person correspondence.
• School/Clinic liaison for recruitment involves distributing flyers to recruit participants, making follow-up phone calls and/or scheduling calls.
• Conducting telephone screens with prospective participants based on referrals. Talking on phone to families who are interested in participating in one of our clinical trials.
• Attending meetings: presenting study updates to the Pl and study team recruitment and data issues.
• Preparing and disseminating training and evaluation materials.
• Collecting school records (e.g., contacting school schools to obtain school-related data on the child participants’ attendance, grades, and test scores (when parental permission was granted).
• Monitoring data across studies including teacher, nurse, and evaluator data submissions; making adjustments to code and data output as needed, ensuring that data is securely backed up
• Database creation and maintenance
• Supervision of independent evaluators; conducting evaluations as needed
• Coaching providers across studies and rating fidelity
• Conducting trainings for providers
• Engaging in scholarship activities-including grant preparation
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Doctorate in psychology (or related field) with at least one year of clinical research experience.
• Knowledge of research protocols and experience conducting clinical research with youth and families.
• Strong clinical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experience supervising or training staff in assessments or interventions.
• Preferred: Coursework in Child Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology, experience with adolescents and families in community settings, certification in the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS), and familiarity with REDCap.
This position may involve local or out of state travel. Incumbents in this classification will be required to work some evenings and weekend hours. Position is eligible to telecommute.
For inquiries and/or to apply for this position, please contact Dr. Golda Ginsburg at gginsburg@uchc.edu.
Postdoctoral Position – Fetal and Neonatal Center of Regenerative Medicine (CRM)
Posted: October 23, 2025
A postdoctoral position is available within the Rowe Laboratory at UConn Health to investigate novel approaches to improve surgical outcomes for urologic patients. The Rowe Laboratory is housed within the Connecticut Children’s Research Institute (CCRI) Fetal and Neonatal Center of Regenerative Medicine (CRM). The mission of the CRM is to transform the future of pediatric medicine through innovative scientific discovery in regenerative medicine. Active projects within the Rowe Laboratory are focused on postoperative pain control and urethral healing after injury. Research builds on strong collaborations with scientists at UConn Storrs, including the design and testing of new biomaterials. The research will be performed in the Departments of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT. The projects will utilize tissue samples, mouse models, rabbit models, and various cell culture techniques. A Ph.D. is required, as well as a strong background in cell culture techniques, experience with small animals, and interest in manuscript and grant development. An interest in entrepreneurship is preferred, as this unique position includes the opportunity to get involved in translating laboratory research into future clinical use, including performing customer discovery and developing protocols to address the future FDA regulatory pathway for tested biomaterials. Experience with 3D printing, single-cell analysis, and biomaterial testing and development is also preferred. Please email curriculum vitae and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of references to Dr. Courtney Rowe (crowe@connecticutchildrens.org), Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT.
Always be sure to check the UConn Health Find Jobs page for more listings.
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All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
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The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.