Postdoctoral Fellow, Hair and Skin Biology

Role Summary

AbbVie’s Allergan Aesthetics Biological Research group is seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral fellow to join our cutting-edge research team in Irvine, CA. This position will focus on advancing the understanding of drivers of hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia using iPSC-derived models, multi-omics analysis, and in vitro functional assays. The postdoc will engage in interdisciplinary collaborations to drive novel research initiatives and contribute to the advancement of new therapeutics in hair growth. In addition to day-to-day laboratory benchwork, the candidate will also apply cutting edge analysis of the large multi-omics datasets to enhance target discovery and drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research in hair follicle disease biology using cutting-edge model systems and readouts.
• Perform iPSC culture and differentiations for key hair follicle cell types.
• Characterize key cell types with a variety of novel assays and techniques, including multi-omic analysis (scRNAseq, proteomics, and metabolomics) and complex model systems (co-culture/organoid).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biologists, pathologists, and bioinformaticians, to design innovative experiments and analyze complex datasets.
• Research and understand relevant target/disease biology; design and implement experimentation to validate hypotheses.
• Prepare and present scientific reports, manuscripts, and presentations to disseminate findings to both internal and external audiences.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, methodologies, and data analysis, adhering to ethical standards and compliance guidelines.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology or equivalent with experience in dermatology, developmental biology, cancer biology or pharmacological evaluation of drugs.
• Hands-on experience in culturing primary human cells or stem cells as well as complex cell models to evaluate function (organoids, co-cultures).
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and familiarity with multiomics data types. Competency with various single-cell, spatial transcriptomics and high-plex immunofluorescence proteomics profiling platforms.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Capable of independently designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex scientific data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Ability to resolve key project hurdles and assumptions by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities, capable of collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in iPSC or stem cell culture.
• Working knowledge of skin or hair biology.
• Prior experience in gene editing in cell lines.

Skills

• Model system development
• iPSC culture and differentiation
• Multi-omics data analysis (scRNAseq, proteomics, metabolomics)
• Co-culture and organoid technologies
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data interpretation and experimental design
• Scientific communication