Postdoctoral Scientist - Heart Institute - Chikwe Lab

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been named to the Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2025-2026” rankings. When you join our team, you’ll have access to groundbreaking biomedical research facilities and world-class medical education programs. We take pride in hiring exceptional, dedicated professionals who are passionate about advancing healthcare. Our physicians, nurses, and staff reflect the culturally and ethnically diverse communities we serve and are united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we foster a dynamic, inclusive environment that drives innovation and supports the gold standard of patient care.

Are you ready to be a part of breakthrough research?

The Smidt Heart Institute reflects Cedars-Sinai's steadfast dedication to heart disease and research innovation giving patients access to the highest level of care. Year after year, thousands of people trust their hearts to Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and niche care teams treat the full spectrum of heart disease and disorders, while our investigators continue to advance the field with groundbreaking, life-saving research. From genetic counseling and targeted drug therapies to a growing array of minimally invasive procedures, Cedars-Sinai continues to stand at the forefront of technology, innovation and discovery improving patient outcomes.

The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the laboratory of Dr. Joanna Chikwe.

Joanna Chikwe, MD, FRCS, is a recognized leader in the field of mitral valve repair and coronary revascularization, with expertise in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Dr. Chikwe serves as Chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. She has published over 125 contributions in peer-reviewed medical journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association; serves on editorial boards of leading specialty journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; and is a deputy editor of Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Her research interests focus on comparative outcomes research in cardiology and cardiac surgery. Dr. Chikwe has edited and authored three textbooks, including Cardiothoracic Surgery. A native of England, she completed her medical degree at the University of Oxford, followed by cardiothoracic surgery residency at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London.

What will you be doing in this role?

Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in preparation of grant proposals. Participates in publications and presentations as author or co-author. Not responsible for generating grant funds.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• May assist in the preparation of grant proposals but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
• May participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
• Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
• May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
• Analyzes, interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
• Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
• May observe MD-patient or MD-human research subject interactions as it pertains directly to research being performed.

Education:

• Doctorate Degree in area directly related to field of research specialization is required.

Experience and Skills:

• No experience required. Acquires thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during a one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.
• Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis and operation and maintenance of specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of specialized equipment.