Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Physician Scientist [Req#: 981884, Position#: 134153]

The Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine is seeking an outstanding scientist or physician-scientist (faculty) to join the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health Dallas. The search focuses on individuals interested in conducting laboratory-based, basic or translational research investigating fundamental aspects of pulmonary disease.

We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated scientist to contribute to a dynamic pediatric pulmonary research program. This role integrates laboratory-based investigation, biorepository oversight, and translational research, with a focus on advancing understanding of immune responses in conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and infectious and post-infectious respiratory diseases.

The scientist will work under the supervision of Dr. Lael Yonker and will lead the processing and analysis of biospecimens, including peripheral blood and respiratory samples, ensuring high-quality handling, annotation, and analysis (either independently or in collaboration with colleagues).

Responsibilities include

performing and optimizing laboratory assays such as flow cytometry, cDNA preparation, functional immunoprofiling assays, and Air-liquid interface cell culture and testing. The individual will oversee organization and tracking of biospecimens within the biorepository, maintaining rigorous standards for quality control and data integrity.

In close collaboration with collaborators and the investigative team, the scientist will contribute to experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting of studies aimed at defining immune mechanisms in pediatric disease. They will lead data analysis and interpretation, integrating clinical and laboratory datasets to generate high-impact insights.

The individual will play a key role in dissemination of findings, including preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications. The scientist will be encouraged and supported to submit research grants. The successful candidate will work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and demonstrate flexibility in adapting to evolving research priorities and laboratory needs.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead both the scientific and operational aspects of a growing translational research program, contributing to high-impact discoveries that improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric pulmonary diseases. Candidates will have the opportunity to interface with other laboratory and clinical researchers in the Division and across the UT Southwestern campus, participating in multidisciplinary teams focused on improving the care of children with pulmonary disease.

The applicant would join a vibrant and growing Division consisting of 15 other full-time faculty members with excellent clinical, clinical research, and laboratory programs fully developed to cover a broad range of relevant topics. Researchers will be supported by exceptional infrastructure and core facilities available on the UT Southwestern Medical Center campus, including the Children’s Research Institute, and will benefit from the presence of excellent post-doctoral and graduate student training programs.

Academic appointment will be commensurate with the academic credentials.

Qualification The advertised position requires a PhD, MD, or comparable doctoral degree in the biomedical sciences with at least four years of professional experience as research associate or post-doctoral fellow within the field of immunology. Experience in immunology, cell biology, structural biology, molecular biology, and closely related fields is necessary.

The applicant must be generally familiar with developing and using in vitro cell line systems and mouse models of human immune-mediated disease. In addition, the applicant must be experienced with the integration of existing and the implementation of immune phenotypic and functional assessments from human peripheral blood cells and in vitro cell lines.

The applicant must have a strong publication record, a demonstrated ability to obtain outside funding sources, good interpersonal skills, experience in supervising and training research personnel, and must be well-organized and self-motivated. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Application Instructions Potential candidates should apply online at https://jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/ (search for Job # 981884) and upload a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest.