Postdoctoral fellow – Black Family Stem Cell Institute, New York

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Sturgeon, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York, NY.  Each position is fully funded. As part of the Black Family Stem Cell Institute, we are very interested in the use of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and iPSCs), and their directed differentiation towards hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Several research projects are available, ranging from the transcriptional and epigenetic control of hematopoietic specification, to the adoptive immunotherapy potential of various immune cells derived from hPSCs.  Techniques involved include hPSC differentiation, scRNAseq and bioinformatics, murine embryology, and xenografts of human hematopoietic populations.

Example projects include:

HSC development. We have characterized an extensive developmental roadmap, charting the progression of human pluripotent stem cells as they differentiate towards hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs; see Luff et al., Nat Cell Biol 24:616). Using combined directed differentiation strategies, murine embryo models, and bioinformatics, we aim to understand the molecular regulation of hemogenic endothelium and hematopoietic development.

Translational potential of HSC-independent hematopoietic lineages. Using our directed differentiation strategies, we have identified several HSC-independent hematopoietic lineages with unique functional properties.  For example, we have recently identified a unique population of natural killer (NK) cells in the early mammalian yolk sac, which harbor potent cytotoxic activity (see Dege et al., Dev Cell 53:229). We now aim to characterize the regulation and translational potential of each of these lineages, using in vitro and in vivo models.

Postdocs will have many opportunities to attend major conferences, have a competitive salary, career development training and the ability to develop independent collaborations. Applicants should have a PhD or MD, and be capable of managing their own projects as well as collaborating both within the Sturgeon laboratory, and with other local groups. While a background in hematopoiesis, immunology, or developmental biology is preferred, these are not required.

Interested applicants should send a current CV to Chris Sturgeon (christopher.sturgeon@mssm.edu)

The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude, or treat people differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.