Research Scientist in Biomedical Engineering

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia seeks a Research Associate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering to work in Dr. Evan Scott’s laboratory. This role focuses on the development of immunomodulatory nanocarriers for therapeutic applications.

Responsibilities include interacting with graduate students, conducting mathematical modeling, and synthesizing block copolymers. The position anticipates a salary range of $70,000-$85,000 and requires a PhD in a relevant field. This is an on-site position based in Charlottesville, VA.

Qualifications

• Experience with nanomaterials development and cell culture.
• Ability to synthesize, characterize, and optimize block copolymers.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interact with graduate students and contribute to publications.
• Perform computational and theory-guided mathematical modeling.
• Synthesize and characterize polymeric drug delivery vehicles.
• Focus on synthesis and analytical chemistry.

Skills

Nanomedicine experience

Analytical chemistry

Mathematical modeling

Synthesis skills

Education

PhD in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field

Job description

Overview

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Associate to work in Dr. Evan Scott’s laboratory (NanoSTAR Institute). This position will focus on synthesis, drug loading, and characterization of nanocarriers targeting specific cell populations. The Scott lab develops immunomodulatory nanomaterials for the rational design of immunotherapies for cancer, allergy, and infectious disease.

The applicant will be expected to interact with graduate students, perform computational and theory-guided mathematical modeling, and contribute to publications. The project involves collaborative efforts between the Scott lab and leading pharmaceutical corporations as well as multiple academic collaborators investigating a broad range of disease models. The objective is to develop and optimize nanocarrier formulations for targeted modulation of specific immune cell subsets via controlled delivery of diverse, and often novel, therapeutic molecules. The applicant will be responsible for synthesizing, characterizing, and optimizing block copolymers and their assembly into diverse polymeric drug delivery vehicles. Focus will be placed on synthesis and analytical chemistry, not on in vitro or in vivo validation.

Responsibilities

• Interact with graduate students and contribute to publications.
• Perform computational and theory-guided mathematical modeling related to nanocarrier systems.
• Synthesize, characterize, and optimize block copolymers and their assembly into polymeric drug delivery vehicles.
• Focus on synthesis and analytical chemistry.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field by the start date.
• Experience with nanomedicine and/or nanomaterials development; experience with cell culture, animal models, and flow cytometry is a plus.
• Preferred: Experience in characterizing self-assembled nanomaterials and/or lipids using analytical chemistry methods; development of drug delivery platforms for vaccination and/or immunotherapy.

Benefits and Appointment Details

• The position is a 12-month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
• Exempt-level, benefited position with an anticipated salary range of $70,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed on-site.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.