Postdoctoral Associate in Spatial Biology, Cancer Biology, and Clinical Translation

The Biomedical Optical Imaging Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a postdoctoral associate to lead biologically driven research in spatial biology, cancer biology, and translational imaging. Our laboratory develops and applies advanced optical imaging technologies, including multiplexed fluorescence imaging, super-resolution microscopy, quantitative phase imaging, and spatial image analysis, to study cancer biology across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. A central goal of our work is to transform advanced imaging technologies into practical tools for disease diagnosis, treatment response assessment, risk stratification and precision medicine. For more information, please visit our website:
This position is designed for a motivated scientist with a strong background in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, chromatin biology, epigenetics, immunology, pathology, or related fields. The postdoctoral associate will investigate how cancer cells and their microenvironments change during tumor progression, treatment response, recurrence, and clinical disease evolution. Potential research directions include cell-state plasticity, tumor heterogeneity, chromatin and nuclear organization, epigenetic regulation, tumor–immune interactions, tissue architecture, and spatial biomarkers for clinical translation.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, imaging scientists, computational scientists, pathologists, clinicians, and translational partners. The position provides strong opportunities for high-impact publications, biological discovery, grant writing, conference presentations, mentoring, translational research, technology development, and exposure to commercialization pathways. Candidates interested in moving discoveries toward clinical implementation, diagnostic applications, biotechnology, or startup translation are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
The postdoctoral associate will lead biologically motivated studies using advanced spatial imaging approaches. Responsibilities include:
· Develop, optimize, and execute multiplexed immunofluorescence staining workflows in cells, 3D cultures, organoids, spheroids, and tissue sections.
· Design and perform experiments to investigate cancer progression, treatment response, tumor heterogeneity, cell-state plasticity, and microenvironmental organization.
· Study changes in chromatin organization, epigenetic regulation, nuclear morphology, DNA damage response, proliferation, senescence, differentiation, and cellular adaptation in cancer models.
· Apply complementary biological approaches, including 2D/3D culture systems, tissue-based studies, molecular biology assays, and functional perturbation experiments, to support imaging-based discoveries.
· Integrate multiplexed fluorescence imaging, super-resolution microscopy, quantitative phase imaging, and quantitative image analysis to connect cellular morphodynamics with molecular and functional states.
· Work closely with computational team members to analyze spatial and single-cell imaging data and extract biologically meaningful insights.
· Prepare manuscripts, present findings at conferences, contribute to grant applications, and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.

Qualifications
Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a Ph.D. in bioengineering, biophysics, biotechnology, cancer biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, immunology, pathology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate must have hands-on proficiency in multiplexed immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence microscopy, with experience applying these methods to biological questions in cancer, immunology, epigenetics, or related fields. Hands-on experience with spatial omics, super-resolution microscopy, expansion microscopy, tissue clearing, advanced image analysis, or translational cancer studies is desirable. Strong candidates should have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas:
· Highly multiplexed fluorescence imaging, spatial biology, confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, or quantitative microscopy
· 2D/3D cancer models, organoids, spheroids, tissue sections, patient-derived samples, or molecular biology assays
· Cancer biology, tumor progression, drug screening, tumor microenvironment biology, or cancer cell plasticity
· Chromatin biology, epigenetic regulation, nuclear organization, DNA damage response, or transcriptional regulation
· Quantitative image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji, Python, MATLAB, CellProfiler, or related tools

We are especially interested in candidates with a demonstrated track record of independent research, strong problem-solving ability, rigorous experimental design, careful troubleshooting, attention to detail, and scientific creativity. The ideal candidate should be able to formulate meaningful biological questions, design and execute experiments, optimize staining and imaging workflows, interpret complex spatial imaging data, communicate findings clearly, and take intellectual ownership of a project.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate is a full-time, benefits-eligible position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible, but negotiable. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references to Prof. Yang Liu by email (liuy46@illinois.edu). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.  Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.