Research Opportunities

Postdoctoral Scholar in Human Placenta–Brain Models and Developmental Neurotoxicology

Our interdisciplinary research examines how environmental, inflammatory, and metabolic signals are processed at the maternal–fetal interface and how placental responses influence the developing brain. The successful candidate will help develop human-relevant experimental models that integrate placental barrier biology with stem-cell-derived models of neural development. Potential research directions include placental responses to developmental exposures, redox signaling across the placenta–brain axis, and mechanisms of fetal vulnerability and resilience.

This position is well suited to a scientist who is excited to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries. We welcome applicants from stem-cell biology, developmental biology, reproductive biology, bioengineering, microfluidics, toxicology, neuroscience, or related fields. Candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed below.

Research opportunities

The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to:

• Develop and characterize human stem-cell-derived models of placental and neural development

• Integrate placental and neuronal systems using engineered or organ-on-a-chip platforms

• Investigate how environmental, metabolic, or inflammatory exposures affect placental function and downstream neural development

• Apply live imaging and genetically encoded biosensors to study redox dynamics

• Develop an independent research direction within the broader placenta–brain program

• Collaborate with investigators in neuroscience, reproductive biology, bioengineering, toxicology, and maternal–fetal health

• Mentor students and contribute to manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field, completed by the appointment start date

• Demonstrated experience with stem-cell culture, organoids, primary cells, or another in-vitro models

• Evidence of scientific productivity and the ability to conduct rigorous, independent research

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary science

• Commitment to a supportive and inclusive research environment

Preferred qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be beneficial:

• Microfluidics, organ-on-chip systems, tissue engineering, or biomaterials

• Placental, trophoblast, reproductive, or developmental biology

• Human pluripotent stem cells, cortical organoids, or neuronal differentiation

• Redox biology, cellular metabolism, oxidative stress, or fluorescent biosensors

• Toxicology, environmental health, developmental exposures, or risk assessment

• Advanced microscopy, live-cell imaging, molecular profiling, or quantitative image analysis

Expertise in microfluidics is a plus but is not required. Applicants with strong stem-cell or in-vitro modeling backgrounds who are interested in learning microphysiological approaches are encouraged to apply.

Training environment

The Campbell Lab combines developmental neuroscience, stem-cell biology, redox biology, placental biology, and engineering to study early human development. We place a strong emphasis on thoughtful mentorship, scientific independence, collaboration, and supporting each lab member’s long-term career goals.

The laboratory is located within UC San Diego’s highly collaborative biomedical research community, providing access to extensive expertise and resources in neuroscience, reproductive sciences, organoid biology, environmental health, imaging, and bioengineering.

UC San Diego and life in San Diego

The Campbell Lab is located in the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute on UC San Diego’s Health Sciences campus. The position offers opportunities to interact with an unusually broad scientific community spanning neuroscience, stem-cell biology, reproductive and developmental biology, bioengineering, environmental health, and human disease modeling. UC San Diego is also at the center of the greater San Diego biomedical ecosystem, with close proximity to leading academic institutes and biotechnology companies and abundant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Outside the laboratory, San Diego combines the cultural and professional opportunities of a major city with year-round access to beaches, mountains, parks, and other outdoor spaces. UC San Diego also has an active postdoctoral community offering professional development programs, seminars, networking opportunities, and social events.

Whether in the lab or outside of it, there will always be something interesting to do. 

Appointment and compensation

The anticipated appointment is as a UC San Diego Postdoctoral Scholar. Salary will be based on the University of California postdoctoral salary scale and the candidate’s relevant experience. The position includes postdoctoral benefits in accordance with UC policy and the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

How to apply

Please submit:

1. A cover letter describing your research background, interest in the position, and the expertise you would bring to the project

2. A current curriculum vitae

3. A brief statement of research interests and future goals

4. Contact information for three professional references

Click to apply

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer.