Post Doctoral Fellow- College of Dental Medicine

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will participate in a National Institute of Health-funded project that designs and develops hybrid hydrogels by means the functionalization of extracellular matrix (ECM) of demineralized dentin with acrylamides to produce resin dental adhesives that are less vulnerable to undergo hydrolytic degradation. It is required that the individual in this position actively participates in this research program’s experiments and in publications derived from them. It is expected that the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will also assist predoctoral dental students and biomedical graduate students and collaborate with research specialist in research activities and maintenance of college laboratories.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collecting data
• Participate in planning and designing of experiments followed by conducting experiments in the research project.
• Perform analysis of the data generated and prepare presentation of the data for publications and grants.
• Guide and assist students, research specialists in research activity.
• Assist in maintenance of research laboratory. Implement laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required by the college to promote research.
• Disseminate results in conferences and through peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner with regular, predictable, in-person attendance.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience                                                  

PhD or an equivalent degree in chemistry and/or molecular biology. Previous experience with dental biomechanics and morphology are required.  Experience in synthesis, depolymerization, functionalization, and characterization of polymers and proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analysis of oral/dental substrates are preferred.  Must be able to tackle new challenges, work independently and assist in training and coordinating research technicians and students.  Preference will be given to candidates with a record of data analysis and publication (peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, contributions to public data archives) and pertaining to a social minority group.

Computer Skills                                               

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and software related to scientific literature and graphics. Experience with statistical software.

Language Skills                                               

High skills:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations, safety rules.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, and boards of directors.

Reasoning Ability

High skills:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. 

Mathematical Ability

High skills:  Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

Other Skills and Ability

Applicants must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; must be highly motivated, productive team players with the ability to adapt to new projects and to work on multiple projects.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit; climb or balance; talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; taste or small.  The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This position is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the healthcare team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b)-retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, childcare subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts