Postdoctoral Positions in Neurodegeneration and Cancer

The laboratory of Professor Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. Our work investigates the fundamental mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration and cancer, with current projects centered around two major research areas:

 

1. Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases

Our laboratory has discovered two previously unrecognized protein quality control (PQC) systems involving tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins. These pathways function independently of ATP and exhibit distinct evolutionary conservation—TRIM in animals and polyD/E across eukaryotes—setting them apart from established PQC mechanisms. Ongoing work aims to define their molecular mechanisms, elucidate their contributions to aging and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS), and explore their potential for therapeutic intervention.

 

2. Tumor suppression, metabolism, and autophagy

We examine the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of the tumor suppressor p53, with emphasis on its control of metabolic pathways essential for biosynthesis and redox balance. Our studies explore how p53 integrates metabolic cues by acting as both a sensor and regulator of cellular metabolism. In parallel, we are identifying metabolic changes that promote tumor initiation and progression. This work has recently expanded to include investigations into how metabolism and autophagy influence the biology of embryonic and cancer stem cells.

 

For more information about our research, please see the following publications and website: 

 

Science 381: eadd6696 (2023) PMID: 37499037

Science Advances 8: eabo0404 (2022) PMID: 35857842

Nature 597: 132-137 (2021) PMID: 34408321

Nature Cell Biology 23: 978–991 (2021) PMID: 34497368

Cell Metabolism 33: 94-109 (2021) PMID: 33159852

Science 369: 397-403 (2020) PMID: 32703873

Cell Reports 33: 108418 (2020) PMID: 33264628

Nature Communications 11: 348 (2020) PMID: 31953436

Nature Communications 10: 1495 (2019) PMID: 30940803

Nature Communications 9: 4683 (2018) PMID: 30409970

Nature Communications 9: 1223 (2018) PMID: 29581427

Cell Reports 18: 3143-3154 (2017) PMID: 28355566

Molecular Cell 55: 15-30 (2014) (Cover Article) PMID: 24882209

Nature 493: 689-93 (2013) PMID: 23334421

Nature Cell Biology 15: 991-1000 (2013) (Cover Article) PMID: 23811687

Nature Cell Biology 13: 310-316 (2011) (Cover Article) PMID: 21336310

Molecular Cell 37: 668-678 (2010) (Cover Article) PMID: 20227371

Lab website: https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p20138

 

Qualifications

Applicants should hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD or MD degree and demonstrate a strong publication record, rigorous experimental skills, and relevant experience in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolism, stem cell biology, neuroscience, cancer research, or animal models.

 

How to Apply

Email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references to Professor Xiaolu Yang at xyang@pennmedicine.upenn.edu. In your cover letter, please summarize your research interests, key skills, and ideal start date.

 

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn), founded in the 1740s by Benjamin Franklin, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States and a distinguished member of the Ivy League. It is globally recognized for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine—the nation’s oldest medical school—remains among the most renowned in the world. Located in Philadelphia, a historic and culturally vibrant city, Penn’s urban campus provides convenient access to exceptional educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.