Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Job description
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Vacancy ID:PDS001920
Department:SOP-DPMP - 452400
Position Type:Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary Range:Dependent on experience and qualifications.
Full-time/Part-time:Full Time
FTE:1.0
Estimated Duration of Appointment:12 Months
Posting Open Date:01/26/2018
Open Until Filled:Yes
Work Location:Chapel Hill, NC
Position Summary:The Lai Lab focuses on education and research in targeted drug delivery that will ensure optimal efficacy of pharmacologically and immunologically active agents. We conduct multidisciplinary research using knowledge in
• chemistry (physical-chemical aspects of drug molecules, polymer sciences,
analytical chemistry),
• engineering (nanotechnology, biophysics), and
• biopharmaceutics (pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism). Two emerging areas in which we are engaging our students are pharmacoengineering and molecular imaging.
We are a dynamic and multi-disciplinary lab that integrates and applies the latest advances from immunology, biophysics, engineering and microbiology to a diverse array of research projects. There are currently 6 core focus: (i) matrix-immunology, based on the discovery that weakly adhesive antibodies can facilitate trapping of pathogens in biological matrices such as mucus and basement membranes; (ii) adaptive immunity to engineered nanomaterials; (iii) engineered bispecific fusion proteins for targeted delivery of nanoparticles to heterogeneous cells and tissues; (iv) microbiome tuning via engineered phages; (v) vaccines; (vi) machine learning and artificial intelligence. Two companies have been spun out of the research group over the past 2 years, and prior research by the PI has led to successful Phase II and III clinical trials. Postdoc fellow will be part of a dynamic lab that integrates and applies latest advances from immunology, biophysics, engineering and microbiology to research projects focused on (i) mucosal immunology based on antibody-mucin interactions, and (ii) adaptive immune response to nanomaterials. Specific duties include performing research, developing research ideas, as well as writing manuscripts and grant proposals. Competitive candidates typically have at least several publications in reputable journals during their graduate training, and are adept at working in a problem-solving environment.
Educational Requirements:Ph.D., but not limited to biochemistry or biophysics. We will consider outstanding and highly creative postdoctoral fellows from all disciplines.
Qualifications and Experience:- Have at least 2 years of experience in higher education or research institution in the U.S. or Europe.
- Possess a strong record of publications in well-respected journals.
- Preference will be given to those who have strong experience in protein engineering (including different directed evolution techniques), phage engineering, microbiome sequencing, genome sequencing and editing, and machine learning.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
Special Instructions:Apply online at, http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/134156 and inlcude a CV/resume and a list of at least three (3) professional references and thier contact information. A cover letter is optional.
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here