A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Benjamin Levi in the Center for Organogenesis and Trauma Childrens Research Institute and Center for Mineral Researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
The Postdoctoral Researcher would be joining a basic and translational laboratory funded by the NIH and DOD that consists of post-doctoral fellows, medical students, technicians, and a research scientist supervised by Dr. Benjamin Levi.
Research Focus The Levi Lab investigates how cell fate decisions govern regeneration versus pathological repair in musculoskeletal tissues following trauma. Our work focuses on extremity injury and diseases affecting bone, muscle, tendon, and connective tissue, including heterotopic ossification, muscle fibrosis, tendon degeneration and regeneration, osteosarcoma, fracture repair, and burn injury.
Current projects address fundamental questions such as:
• How do progenitor and stromal cell populations respond to injury signals to drive regeneration or fibrosis • What molecular and biomechanical cues regulate skeletal and soft tissue fate after trauma • How can regenerative pathways be therapeutically harnessed to restore musculoskeletal function
Preferred Experience • Animal models of musculoskeletal injury or repair • Histologic and imaging-based analysis of bone and soft tissues • Matrix biology or mechanobiology • Single-cell or spatial profiling approaches
This research integrates developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and immunology, providing postdoctoral fellows with a rare opportunity to connect fundamental musculoskeletal biology to clinically relevant outcomes.
Training Environment The Levi Laboratory is a well-funded NIH and DoD highly collaborative basic and translational research group that includes postdoctoral fellows, medical students, technicians, and research scientists. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to develop independent research directions, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and drive publications while receiving close mentorship.
The laboratory environment emphasizes:
• Rigorous hypothesis-driven science • Cross-disciplinary collaboration between biologists and clinicians
Vision of the Levi Laboratory Enhance the human experience.
Mission of Levi Laboratory Maintain a culture of collaboration, connection, rigor, and wellness to support ground-breaking research using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to help those afflicted by injuries and diseases of the skin and musculoskeletal systems.
Requirements Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or other relevant branches of biological sciences. Experience in immunology, animal handling and surgery, single-cell sequencing, molecular and cell biology, matrix biology, histologic analyses, and flow cytometry leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals is recommended.
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
Application Instructions Interested individuals should send a CV, a brief statement of interests in a cover letter, and three references to:
Benjamin Levi, M.D. Lee-Hudson Professor and Chief of General Surgery Director, Center for Organogenesis and Trauma (CORT) Professor, Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75390-9158 Benjamin.Levi@UTSouthwestern.edu https://levilaboratory.com Benjamin Levi M.D. - Faculty Profile - UT Southwestern
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
Benefits UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing and include:
• PPO medical plan available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage • 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay • Paid Time Off available day one • Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) • Paid Parental Leave Benefit • Wellness programs • Tuition Reimbursement • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/Benefits.