Post Doctoral Fellow – Nanoparticle Engineering and RNA Therapeutics

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Houston, in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position.

The successful candidate will help develop nano- and nucleic acid–based platforms for next-generation vaccines and therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. The appointment is initially one year, with possible renewal based on performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical or biomedical engineering, biology, pharmaceutics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in polymer synthesis, small-molecule synthesis, nanoparticle formulation, vaccines, murine cancer models, nucleic acids, or drug delivery systems.
• Ability to develop and pursue independent research ideas.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining experimental records.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research within a multidisciplinary team.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.
• Work closely with the PI, lab members, and clinical collaborators to advance research projects.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and scientific presentations at conferences and sponsor meetings.

Skills

Polymer synthesis

Small-molecule synthesis

Nanoparticle formulation

Vaccines

Nucleic acids

Drug delivery systems

Team-based collaboration

Independent research

Education

PhD in chemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering, biology, pharmaceutics

Job description

Department: Chemical Engineering Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description

Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

• Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
• Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
• May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
• May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
• May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
• Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
• May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Prof. Akash Gupta in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of nano- and nucleic acid-based platforms for next-generation vaccines and therapeutics for cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical or biomedical engineering, biology, pharmaceutics, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated expertise in any of the following areas: polymer synthesis, small-molecule synthesis, nanoparticle formulation, vaccines, murine cancer models, nucleic acids, or drug delivery systems.
• Ability to develop and pursue independent research ideas
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining experimental records
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in either (i) synthesis, purification, and characterization of small molecules, polymers, and nanomaterials, or (ii) formulation and physicochemical characterization of self-assembled nanoparticle systems, including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and related supramolecular assemblies.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required: cell culture, molecular biology techniques, immunological methods (ELISAs/ELISpots), molecular cloning, flow cytometry, or in vivo studies
• Ability to design and execute research projects, independently and collaboratively - focused on nanoparticle-based delivery systems for in vitro and in vivo applications in drug delivery and immunoengineering
• Strong communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research within a multidisciplinary team
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to a collaborative lab environment
• Work closely with the PI, lab members, and clinical collaborators to advance research projects
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and scientific presentations at conferences and sponsor meetings

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance. The start date is flexible and can begin immediately or upon mutual agreement.

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.