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Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

Employer
Rice University
Location
Texas, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jun 30, 2022


Position Summary

The Veiseh laboratory has a position available for a postdoctoral researcher who will design, develop, and synthesize small molecule modified polymer conjugates. Our lab develops innovative cell therapeutics technologies using the combination of cell engineering and immunomodulatory technologies to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer and diabetes. In collaboration with multiple institutions in the Texas Medical Center, we have developed novel cell-based therapeutics to treat various cancers and diabetes. Further the lab has been in multiple collaboration with industries to develop immuno-protective and anti-fibrotic coating technologies to medical devices and implants. In particular, the postdoc will develop library of new immunomodulatory polymers, characterize those, fabricate polymer capsules for cell therapy in cancer and diabetes. Additionally, the postdoc will engage in surface modification of different materials using anti-fibrotic small molecules. Delivery of genetic materials using lipidic materials will also be done.

This work will require the postdoctoral researcher to have strong previous experience in materials science, chemical engineering, molecular biology, and cell engineering. The ideal individual will have Bachelors and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related disciplines.

The ideal applicant will also have strong communication skills and will be responsible for preparing oral presentations and posters for local, regional, and national meetings, manuscripts for publications, industrial collaborations and research grants to support the development of the project. The applicant must also be able to work well in teams, and have the ability to mentor undergraduates and graduate students.

Essential Functions
  • Designs and develops high-throughput technologies to screen large combinatorial library of immuno-protective analogues for cell therapy and gene delivery
  • Designs and develops cell therapeutics technologies using cell engineering, cell encapsulation technologies in cancer, diabetes and hemophilia
  • Developing various approaches for the coating of medical implants, devices, catheters with small molecules preventing fibrosis
  • Develops vascularized device technologies for islet cell therapy in the cure of
  • diabetes
  • Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
  • Mentor and train junior research team members, such as PhD candidates, master's students and undergraduates
  • Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
  • Demonstrate best practices in rigorous science, record-keeping, lab safety and being a team player in the lab
  • Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
  • Perform all other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in chemistry, materials science bioengineering, biochemistry, or related discipline
  • No experience required
Preferred Skills
  • Related experience in developing cell based therapeutic solution in cancers and diabetes using various cell encapsulated biomaterials, high-throughput screening immunomodulatory biomaterials development, and pre-clinical and clinical translation
  • Experience in surface coating to medical device and implants with plasma based and non-plasma based technology
  • Experience in cell isolations, purification, cell culture, basic cell related assays, immunoblotting, drug/gene delivery
  • Experience in developing large scale combinatorial small molecules library for genetic material delivery
  • Experience in various imaging techniques for inflammation monitoring and cancer progression
  • Experience in cell engineering
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of cell based therapeutics using immunomodulatory microcapsules, vascularized devices, and other implants.
  • Ability to independently design, prototype and characterize novel combinatorial small molecules/polymers library and high-throughput screening by genetic barcoding.
  • Knowledge of anti-fibrotic coating technologies using plasma and non-plasma based techniques to medical grade catheters, devices and breast implants
  • Knowledge in various imaging techniques including IVIS, Confocal, Dark field microscopy.
  • Enthusiasm to work in highly collaborative and diverse environment and interact with industrial and academic collaborators
  • Possess a logical and independent mind
  • Excellent listening, verbal and written communication, analytical, and research skills
  • Excellent scientific and numerical skills with meticulous attention to details and accuracy
Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

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