Staff Research Associate

This position requires a motivated, organized person who can communicate and coordinate well with others, has an interest in learning molecular biology and cutting-edge systems biology approaches, and is eager to engage with research on hepatic stellate cell biology and the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis.  The applicant will need previous academic laboratory experience, but training on specific assays and equipment will be provided.  The applicant will need to be comfortable with research on experimental mice. The employee will split time ~25/75 between lab management and experimental assistance.  Assistance with experiments will be coordinated and in collaboration with the principal investigator and/or experienced lab members, with opportunities to develop the applicant’s own individual project.

The Chen Lab works at the intersection of multiple disciplines to study tissue fibrosis, with a focus on liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in liver fibrogenesis, and our lab aims to identify novel mechanisms to inactivate HSCs as a therapeutic strategy. We have discovered exciting molecular targets and validated their roles using conditional knockout mice in multiple models of liver fibrosis, including models that recapitulate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our lab has also demonstrated that HSCs play a critical role in collagen degradation.

A major focus of our lab is the development of new antifibrotic therapies, as no FDA-approved drugs currently exist that target fibrosis. In parallel, we have developed gene signature scores to identify patients with advanced fibrosis who may benefit from the therapies we are developing.

Our research combines mechanistic studies, translational models, and patient-oriented approaches to advance understanding and treatment of this disease. The Chen Lab is fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to progressing the field of liver research.