Associate/Full Specialist in Mucocutaneous Immunology and Translational Research

This part-time (50%) position at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine offers an opportunity to conduct advanced research in mucocutaneous inflammation, wound healing, epithelial biology, and tumor immunology under the mentorship of Dr. Xiao-Jing Wang. The role integrates molecular, cellular, histopathologic, immunologic, and in vivo approaches to explore disease mechanisms and evaluate therapeutic strategies. The successful candidate will contribute to collaborative research programs, develop scientific independence, and support rigorous research practices. The position emphasizes translational impact, with a focus on preclinical studies and therapeutic development for inflammatory diseases, tissue injury, and cancer.

• Design and execute translational studies focused on immune regulation, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic responses in skin and oral mucosal inflammation, impaired wound healing, and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Develop and apply cell-based and animal models to study inflammatory diseases, tissue injury, wound repair, and tumor immunity, including quantitative image-based and functional analyses.
• Evaluate candidate biologics and immune-modulating therapies in preclinical models, integrating mechanistic endpoints with measures of tissue repair, inflammation, and antitumor response.
• Lead and support scholarly outputs, including first-author manuscripts, conference presentations, and extramural funding applications, while ensuring rigorous data analysis and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in pathology, dermatology, immunology, oncology, and bioengineering to coordinate complex research projects and provide clinical insights.
• Mentor graduate students, trainees, and junior researchers in experimental techniques, study design, data interpretation, and responsible research practices.
• Maintain advanced technical and scientific knowledge in mucocutaneous immunology, wound healing, and translational research, while contributing to laboratory and departmental activities.