Open Rank Scientist Post-doctoral Fellow or Staff Scientist (Molecular Imaging and Nanomaterials)

WORK TASKS:
An open position is available for a highly skilled and motivated individual to support a broad range of activities associated with the development of new nanomaterials and molecular imaging strategies. The successful candidate will also oversee the day-to-day operations of our laboratory which includes nanomaterials synthesis, developing new molecular imaging strategies, biodistribution assessment in animal models, as well as learning and maintaining a suite of imaging tools.  

New hires are expected to contribute to the research held in the hosting lab by active cooperation with its current lab members, writing and publishing articles on the topic of collaborative scientific work, and sharing their expertise with students.  The candidate is also expected to help guide research projects of graduate students in conjunction with the PI, while pursuing their own research project with assistance of other lab members.

The role will require the production of such nanomaterials primarily for diagnostic applications, experience with either ex-vivo or in vivo imaging technologies such a fluorescence, Raman, and multi-photon intravital microscopy will be developed if not already present but some prior experience is preferred. The lab focuses on developing new nano-based contrast agents for biomedical imaging applications including but not limited to cancer imaging. The lab focuses on translating new molecular imaging strategies to the clinic.     

ABOUT US:
The Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience at the University of Southern California is a new state of the art biomedical facility where collaborative work is encouraged.  Opened in November of 2017, the center includes dedicated electron microscopy facilities, nanofabrication/cleanroom labs, optical microscopy core, cell culture facilities, chemical analysis center and adjacent vivarium.

The Zavaleta lab occupies a large research space with its own dedicated cell culture, chemistry and in vivo imaging instrumentation core. We focus on developing nanomaterials with significant clinical translation potential. We have recently been investigating their multiplexing capabilities and their ability to specifically target a multitude of relevant biomarkers simultaneously. We are also interested in exploring their biodistribution characteristics post administration. For more information please see our website: www.zavaleta-lab.com

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

-Ph.D. Degree

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
(not all are expected)

-animal handling and in-vivo imaging
-nanomaterial chemistry and bioconjugation
-familiarity with histology and staining techniques
-familiarity with optical microscopy imaging techniques
-developing/utilizing microfluidic assay techniques
-image analysis and signal processing
-familiarity with cell culturing and flow cytometry