Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia AG; Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to advance engineering biomaterial platforms for drug and gene delivery. The role focuses on nanoformulations or devices to improve efficacy and safety of biologics and gene therapies.

The successful candidate will lead biomaterial design, device fabrication, and formulation characterization, and work with Dr. Wujin Sun and a team of researchers at Virginia Tech.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmaceutical engineering, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biological systems engineering, chemistry, or related field.
• Self-motivated and creative problem-solver.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead biomaterial design and device fabrication for drug/gene delivery.
• Characterize formulation and assess performance and safety.
• Collaborate with Dr. Wujin Sun and the research team at Virginia Tech.

Skills

Self-motivated

Communication skills

Education

PhD within 4 years

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate. The project will focus on “engineering biomaterial platforms for drug and gene delivery”. Nanoformulations or devices will be engineered for enhancing the efficacy and safety of biologically active drugs and gene therapies. The selected individual will work with Dr. Wujin Sun and a team of researchers at Virginia Tech. The selected individual will lead biomaterial design, device fabrication, and formulation characterization.

Required Qualifications

• PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of the appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining in pharmaceutical engineering, polymer science, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, biological systems engineering, chemistry, or related scientific or engineering field
• Self-motivated individual who shows initiative and creativity
• Effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hydrogel or polymer synthesis and characterization
• Experience with microneedle or transdermal delivery device fabrication
• Experience with controlled release formulation
• Experience with bioconjugation or surface functionalization
• Experience with in vitro cell studies

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$53,550-$65,029; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

11/03/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college,Graduate School,andHonors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerousExtension officesand research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr.Wujin Sunat [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.