Summary
Texas Tech University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join its Mechanical Engineering department. This position involves leading the development of polymeric and nanoparticle systems for biomedical imaging, conducting extensive biological evaluations, and contributing significantly to research through publications and mentorship. The role requires a PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline and a strong record of research productivity.
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Area
- Polymeric and Nanoparticle Systems for Biomedical Imaging
- Polymer Synthesis and Functionalization
- Nanoparticle Synthesis and Nanoformulation
- Biological Evaluation (2D/3D in vitro models, in vivo mouse studies)
- Confocal, Fluorescence, NIR, NIR-II Imaging
- Pharmacokinetics and Biodistribution
Location
Lubbock, Texas, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications
- PhD in the area of project specialization.
- Knowledge of modern research practices, methods, resources, and standards.
- Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, and exercise independent judgment.
- Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information to determine procedures and solutions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.
- Ability to plan and allocate workload, providing direct training and supervision as needed.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive background check due to access to critical infrastructure systems as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD completed (or expected before start date) in Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed research productivity, including first-author/co-first-author or equivalent lead-author publications.
- Demonstrated experimental independence: ability to design studies, execute technically demanding research, troubleshoot, interpret data, and communicate results.
- Substantial hands-on expertise in at least TWO of the following core technical areas:
- Polymer and surfactant synthesis: synthesis and characterization of polymers, amphiphiles, and surfactants (e.g., PEGylated lipids, polymer-brush architectures).
- Nanoparticle synthesis and nanoformulation: formulation, self-assembly/nanoprecipitation, optimization, and physicochemical characterization of polymeric, lipid-polymer, or related nanosystems.
- In vitro 2D and/or 3D studies: mammalian cell culture, cytotoxicity/biocompatibility, cellular uptake, mechanistic assays, 3D culture or physiologically relevant models, and confocal/fluorescence imaging.
- In vivo studies: mouse handling and injections, tumor models/implantation, fluorescence/NIR/NIR-II or IVIS-type imaging, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, organ/tissue collection, and tissue-level analysis.
- Candidates with complementary expertise bridging materials development with biological evaluation are especially competitive.
- Experience independently moving a platform from formulation through biological validation is highly desirable.
- Evidence of research leadership, including mentoring junior researchers, developing new methods, leading collaborations, or substantive participation in grant-driven projects.
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform specialized research under the supervision of graduate faculty members, focusing on the planning, conducting, and supervision of original research. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development of polymeric and nanoparticle systems for biomedical imaging, including polymer synthesis and functionalization, nanoparticle synthesis and nanoformulation, nanoprecipitation, self-assembly, and physiochemical/optical characterization.
- Designing and executing biological evaluations across 2D/3D in vitro models and in vivo mouse studies, covering aspects such as toxicity, cellular uptake, confocal imaging, tumor implantation/injections, fluorescence/NIR/NIR-II imaging, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and tissue-level analysis.
- Independently planning experiments, troubleshooting technically demanding workflows, analyzing quantitative data, and moving projects from concept through publication.
- Leading manuscript preparation and presentations, mentoring junior researchers, contributing intellectually to collaborative projects, and helping establish new experimental capabilities.
- Supervising research and student assistants as needed.
Evaluation will be based on the accomplishment of assigned objectives and the overall effectiveness of the project.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit the following attachments:
- Cover Letter
- Professional/Personal References
- Research Statement
- Resume / CV
Applications are typically submitted through the university’s online portal.
Last Date for Apply
The original job posting indicates that the link is no longer valid and the position has likely expired or been filled. Interested candidates are advised to visit the Texas Tech University career site for current opportunities.
Apply Link
The original application link is no longer valid. Please visit the official Texas Tech University careers website to search for current postdoctoral positions:
Texas Tech University Career Site
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=25898&siteid=5635&PageType=JobDetails&jobid=924564#jobDetails=924564_5635
