Postdoctoral Scientist - Henry Lab

About the Lab:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to join the Henry Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), led by Dr. Whitney Henry, an HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar. The Henry Lab investigates the fundamental biology of ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of cell death—to understand when, where, and why it occurs. The lab studies the molecular and physiological factors that regulate a cell’s susceptibility to ferroptosis across diverse biological contexts, including therapy-resistant cancers, fatty liver disease , and the menstrual cycle. By uncovering how ferroptosis influences tissue function, immune responses, and regeneration, the Henry Lab aims to reveal how metabolism, oxidative stress, and cell death converge to shape cell fate.

For more information about the Henry Lab, please visit:

For more information about the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program , please visit: 2025 Freeman Hrabowski Scholars | HHMI

What We Provide

• Deep expertise in ferroptosis and redox biology through hands-on experimental work and conceptual training.

• Access to advanced multi-omics and in vivo platforms to support high-impact, interdisciplinary research.

• Direct mentorship from Dr. Whitney Henry in developing and leading independent research projects.

• Exposure to high-level scientific communication, including manuscript preparation and presentation of findings.

• Opportunities for grant writing and leadership development, fostering growth toward research independence.

What You’ll Do

• Work with mouse models of liver tissue injury to investigate mechanisms of ferroptosis and regeneration.

• Isolate immune and stromal populations from tissues for downstream analysis.

• Perform flow cytometry, histological analyses, and imaging-based ferroptosis assays.

• Analyze single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data in collaboration with computational colleagues.

• Meet biweekly with Dr. Henry to discuss research strategy, data integration, and conceptual project development.

• Stay current with relevant literature and emerging techniques in ferroptosis, metabolism, and inflammation.

What You Bring

• PhD in immunology, metabolism, regeneration, or cell biology (0–3 years post-PhD preferred).

• Proficiency in in vivo models, immune–metabolic signaling, flow cytometry, and cell death or redox biology.

• Experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics is highly desirable.

• Independent yet collaborative; curious and rigorous; thrives at the interface of molecular and physiological biology. Able to provide and receive constructive feedback; approachable and supportive of mentoring junior trainees.

• Scientific curiosity and persistence — motivated by unexplored biological questions.

• Strong communication and collaboration — able to connect mechanistic insight to physiological context.

• Collegial mindset — fosters a positive, team-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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