Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Translational Nanotechnology Imaging

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Translational Nanotechnology Imaging. This role involves advancing preclinical development of imaging probes for early-stage liver cancer. The position offers interdisciplinary training in nanotechnology and molecular imaging. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and experience in relevant fields. Competitive salary and benefits are provided.

Benefits

Competitive NIH-scale salary

Access to cutting-edge research tools

Career development support

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in peptide design, nanoparticle chemistry, molecular biology, or imaging.
• Experience with rodent surgical models and/or large animal studies is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform phage display and structural modeling to identify peptide monomers.
• Assist in orthotopic implantation of patient-derived HCC xenografts.
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and presentations.

Skills

Communication

Interdisciplinary Research

Education

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Ph.D. in Molecular Imaging

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Tools

GraphPad Prism

ImageJ

MATLAB

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Translational Nanotechnology Imaging

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Translational Nanotechnology Imaging

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University of Michigan provided pay range

This range is provided by University of Michigan. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$60,000.00/yr - $75,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from University of Michigan

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Translational Nanotechnology Imaging

Wang Lab, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

The Wang Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance preclinical development of a multivalent molecular imaging nanoprobe targeting early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This project aims to clinically translate ultra-small paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles functionalized with tumor-targeted peptides for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of indeterminate liver nodules (LI-RADS 3/4). The position offers a highly interdisciplinary training experience at the interface of nanotechnology, molecular imaging, and hepatobiliary oncology.

Key Responsibilities

1. Peptide Identification and Validation

• Perform phage display and structural modeling to identify and optimize peptide monomers specific for early HCC targets.
• Quantify binding affinity, specificity (siRNA knockdown, competition assays), and serum stability of lead peptides.
• Validate specific binding in human liver specimens (IHC/IF co-localization) and cultured HCC cell lines.

2. Nanoprobe Synthesis and Characterization

• Surface-modify USPIO cores with phospholipid-PEG coatings and conjugate optimized peptide ligands using thiol–maleimide chemistry.
• Characterize hydrodynamic size, peptide density, zeta potential, and r₁ relaxivity using DLS, TEM, XPS, and MRI relaxometry.
• Validate multimer versus monomer specificity using Prussian blue staining and T 1 MR mapping in vitro.

3. Preclinical Imaging and Tumor Modeling

• Assist in orthotopic implantation of patient-derived HCC xenografts in small animal models.
• Evaluate probe uptake, biodistribution, and clearance using 7T MRI and image-guided necropsy.
• Analyze imaging data for T/B ratio, signal intensity, and clearance kinetics

4. Research Dissemination

• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and presentations.
• Contribute to annual progress reports, data sharing via caNanoLab, and collaborative meetings with NIH/NCL.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Imaging, Cancer Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in peptide design, nanoparticle chemistry, molecular biology, or imaging.
• Proficiency in immunofluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, flow cytometry, and image quantification.
• Experience with rodent surgical models and/or large animal studies is highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary, translational research.

Preferred Experience

• Prior work on MR contrast agents or nanoparticle-based diagnostics.
• Familiarity with phage display, peptide docking simulations, and conjugation chemistry.
• Experience with preclinical imaging systems, e.g., Bruker 7T MRI, fluorescence endoscopy.
• Proficiency with data analysis software (GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, MATLAB).

Resources and Environment

The Wang Lab is based in the BSRB on the University of Michigan medical campus and provides 2,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space for peptide synthesis, nanoprobe formulation, and histologic analysis. The project is supported by:

·Core Facilities: (MC)², Biointerfaces Institute, Flow Cytometry Core, Proteomics Core, Confocal Microscopy Core.

·Imaging Platforms: 7T Bruker MRI (CMI), high-resolution ultrasound.

·Animal Models: NSG mice for orthotopic PDX studies.

·Collaborative Expertise: Radiologists for MRI interpretation, core facilities for tissue and peptide support.

• Competitive NIH-scale salary and benefits.
• Access to cutting-edge translational research tools.
• Career development support for future academic or industry positions.

To Apply:send a CV, cover letter, statement of research interests, and contact information for 3 references to [e-mail].

Contact:

Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering

H. Marvin Pollard Collegiate Professor of Endoscopy Research

University of Michigan, BSRB 1522, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

• Industries

  Higher Education

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