Nanomedicine and Breast Cancer Imaging Postdoc Fellowship

University of Pennsylvania; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cormode lab within the Radiology Department to join an interdisciplinary team translating silver telluride nanoparticle contrast agents for mammographic imaging in women with dense breasts. The project advances toward first‑in‑human studies and clinical translation under NIH support.

The Fellow will engage in microfluidic synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and preclinical imaging, aiming to optimize nanoparticle

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Medical Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Imaging Sciences, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize microfluidic synthesis methods for nanoparticle production.
• Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticle formulations.
• Evaluate imaging performance using x-ray imaging, dual-energy mammography, and CT.
• Conduct in vitro studies of nanoparticle biocompatibility and performance.
• Perform in vivo imaging, biodistribution, clearance, and safety studies.
• Perform quantitative image analysis and pharmacokinetic modeling.

Skills

Nanoparticle synthesis

Microfluidics

Molecular imaging

Preclinical imaging

Drug delivery

Biomaterials research

Education

PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

Nanomedicine

Imaging sciences

Job description

The Cormode lab in the Radiology Department is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research team developing next‑generation nanoparticle contrast agents for the early detection of breast cancer. The successful candidate will contribute to an NIH‑funded project focused on the translation of novel silver telluride nanoparticles (Ag₂Te‑NP) for contrast‑enhanced mammographic imaging in women with dense breasts. The project aims to advance a promising imaging technology toward clinical translation and eventual first‑in‑human studies.

Project Overview

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer‑related mortality among women. While mammography has significantly improved early detection, its sensitivity is reduced in women with dense breast tissue, who also face a substantially elevated risk of developing breast cancer. This project seeks to address this important clinical challenge by developing and clinically translating a novel nanoparticle‑based contrast agent optimized for dual‑energy mammography. Our laboratory has demonstrated that silver telluride nanoparticles provide substantially improved imaging performance compared with conventional iodinated contrast agents while exhibiting favorable clearance and safety characteristics. The current project will focus on scalable manufacturing and preclinical evaluation.

Research Areas

The Fellow Will Work Within a Collaborative Team That Includes Experts In Nanomedicine, Microfluidics, Breast Imaging, Clinical Radiology, Regulatory Science, And Biostatistics. Research Activities May Include

• Development and optimization of microfluidic synthesis methods for nanoparticle production.
• Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticle formulations.
• Evaluation of imaging performance using x‑ray imaging, dual‑energy mammography, and computed tomography (CT).
• In vitro studies of nanoparticle biocompatibility and performance.
• In vivo imaging, biodistribution, clearance, and safety studies.
• Quantitative image analysis and pharmacokinetic modeling.

More information on the lab can be found here: https://hosting.med.upenn.edu/namil/

Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are welcome to apply.

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Medical Physics, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Imaging Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, demonstrated by peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization
• Microfluidics
• Molecular or biomedical imaging
• Preclinical imaging
• Drug delivery or nanomedicine
• Biomaterials research
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating their interest in the position, their CV, and the contact information of three references through Interfolio.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.