Postdoctoral Fellowsip in Systems Immunology and Cell Engineering

Postdoctoral Position in Systems Immunology and Cell Engineering – University of Pennsylvania

Location: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

The Integrative Immunology and Cell Design Laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Haj-Dezfulian at the University of Pennsylvania, is recruiting postdoctoral fellows. Our research centers on a simple question: What do T cells recognize in human disease, and how can we measure it at scale?

We develop and apply high-throughput platforms (TScan-I, TScan-II, TCR-MAP) to map TCR-antigen interactions in native processing contexts. Current projects span autoimmunity, tumor immunology, and infection. Our group has helped pioneer genome-scale antigen discovery platforms (Cell 2019, Cell 2023, Nature Biotechnology 2024) that uncover key antigenic drivers of immune responses. Building on this foundation, we are expanding these platforms and coupling them with single-cell and proteomic tools to comprehensively map the antigenic landscape of B and T cells. Our long-term goal is to define the molecular determinants of immune recognition and tolerance and to identify new therapeutic targets in autoimmunity, cancer, and infectious disease. More information about the lab can be found at

Current Opening: Type 1 Diabetes - Focused Postdoctoral Position

For this position, the primary focus will be on human Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and antigen-specific T cell responses. The postdoctoral fellow will use high-throughput antigen discovery pipelines based on TScan-I, TScan-II, and related platforms, combined with single-cell genomics and organoid co-culture assays, to define the specificity, phenotypes, and tissue localization of T cells. Much of this work will be carried out in collaboration with programs such as the Human Pancreas Analysis Program (HPAP) and related consortia, providing access to deeply phenotyped T1D samples, islet organoids, and rich multi-omic datasets.

Key Responsibilities

Design and execute high-throughput T cell antigen discovery screens in T1D. Collaborate with computational colleagues to analyze large-scale TCR, epitope, and transcriptomic datasets, present findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications. Help mentor students and contribute to a collaborative, rigorous lab culture.

What the Lab Offers

State-of-the-art facilities for high-throughput library construction, T cell antigen discovery, and single-cell experimentation. Access to unique T1D patient samples and multi-omic datasets through Penn and multi-institutional collaborations. Strong mentorship to build your own scientific niche and future independence (academia or industry)

Qualifications

1. Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. (or near completion) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related field
2. Research experience in T cell immunology, autoimmunity, high-throughput screening, and/or single-cell technologies
3. Demonstrated creativity, independence, and a collaborative mindset, supported by publications or preprints
4. Strong interest in, or prior experience with, Type 1 Diabetes or human autoimmunity, ideally including work with primary human tissues, 3D cultures, or organoid co-culture systems
5. Computational/bioinformatics skills (e.g., R, Python, machine learning, or similar) are a strong plus.

Salary and benefits

Salary will follow the University of Pennsylvania FY26 postdoctoral stipend scale, starting at $67,000 commensurate with years of postdoctoral experience, and includes full Penn benefits. More information can you found at

How to Apply

Interested candidates, please email a single PDF file containing the following materials to: Mohammad Haj Dezfulian, [email protected]

The single PDF should include:

1. Cover letter describing research interests and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references (letters will be requested as needed, with applicant consent)
3. A brief (maximum 1 page) summary of a significant publication or project highlighting your specific contributions and insights.

Please use the email subject line: “Postdoc position - T1D”