University of California, Irvine
Just Landed
New Today
Postdoctoral Scholar – Sparks Laboratory University of California, Irvine in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biology
Funding
Salary range: $71,491 - $85,736 depending on experience; 100% appointment with benefits specified in formal appointment materials.
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
United States
University
University of California, Irvine
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
The Sparks Laboratory at the University of California, Irvine is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to study the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that guide early human pluripotent stem cell differentiation. The project centers on neural crest and mesoderm lineage specification and aims to define the intermediate cell states and regulatory mechanisms that shape these early developmental decisions.
The scholar will work with human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cell differentiation systems, using molecular, cellular, and genomic approaches to examine how DNA methylation, microRNA regulation, gene expression, and chromatin accessibility coordinate lineage commitment. The work combines stem cell biology, developmental biology, and multi-omics analysis to investigate how early differentiation programs are established and controlled.
Research activities include directed differentiation toward neural crest and mesoderm lineages, characterization of cell identity and purity, time-course studies of lineage commitment, and functional validation of candidate regulators. The role also includes generating and integrating datasets from sequencing-based assays, analyzing epigenetic and transcriptional patterns, and contributing to chromatin-focused experiments and reporter model development.
The postdoc will join an NIGMS MIRA/R35 research program within the Sparks Laboratory in the Joe C. Wen School of Population and Public Health. The environment emphasizes collaborative mechanistic research on human development, with opportunities to contribute to manuscripts, scientific presentations, future grant development, and broader studies of pluripotent stem cell models and developmental disease.
Funding details
Salary range: $71,491 - $85,736 depending on experience; 100% appointment with benefits specified in formal appointment materials.
What's required
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in stem cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics/genomics, epigenetics, biomedical sciences, toxicology, pharmacology/pharmaceutical sciences, or a closely related field is required by the start date. Applicants should have demonstrated experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular and/or cellular biology techniques, the ability to design experiments, troubleshoot methods, analyze and interpret data, and maintain rigorous research documentation, evidence of scientific productivity through manuscripts, presentations, or other scholarly outputs, the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment, and strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
How to apply
Apply through the UC Irvine recruitment portal for Job #JPF10479. Submit a cover letter, CV, and optionally a research statement; three references are required with contact information only.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.