Postdoctoral Researcher

27285BR

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Position Overview

Two full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate positions are immediately available at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Lawrence KS under the direct supervision of Ming Zhao, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor. These are full-time salaried positions that will occasionally necessitate work during evenings and weekends.

Seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in leveraging synthetic and living biomaterials to develop novel biopharmaceutical formations for better human healthcare. Experience in one or more of the following areas of polymer chemistry, genome editing, vaccine development, and cancer nanomedicine is highly desirable for the positions. To gain insights into our research program and mission, please visit our laboratory website .

Candidates will primarily work on the delivery of biopharmaceuticals and validation of their effectiveness utilizing cell and animal models. Ideal candidates should have authored one or more first-author publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Effective communication skills are necessary, and we value individuals who are highly motivated, self-driven, creative, and collaborative, capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

The position reports directly to PI Zhao and the selected candidate will work closely with the PI to establish experimental protocols and conduct experiments to achieve agreed-upon research goals. The Zhao Lab is housed in the Simons Biosciences Research Laboratories, in close proximity to the state-of-the-art Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization center, Higuchi Laboratories Animal Facility, Multidisciplinary Research Building, and KU Innovation Park. Office space adjacent to the laboratory and a desktop computer will be provided.

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance, and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan.  Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available.  Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus nine paid holidays.  One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment.  A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs are available. Read more about KU's benefits.

Job Description

50% - Designing & Executing Experiments
Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments (e.g., immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, ELISA, flow-cytometry, ELISpot assay, or qPCR) to analyze the effectiveness of biopharmaceutical formulations.

20% - Writing Reports & Papers
Assist in preparation of manuscripts for publication and compiling grant submissions as well as other documentation necessary for laboratory compliance. Present research results at conferences and scientific settings.

20% - Collaboration with Lab Members

• Work in coordination with fellow lab members, including graduate students and technicians to achieve research objectives. Share expertise and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research environment.
• Participate in regular communication with the PI via lab meetings and personal meetings.

10% - Laboratory Management
Establish then follow laboratory quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand.  Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications

Contact Information to Applicants

Ming Zhao
[email protected]

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes an online application, cover letter, resume highlighting pertinent experience relative to the required and preferred qualifications and contact information for three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review will begin on March 11, 2024, and continue until two qualified applicants have been identified.  To ensure first consideration, apply by March 10, 2024.

Advertised Salary Range

minimum 50,000.00, commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

11-Mar-2024

Anticipated Start Date

01-May-2024

Limited Term End Date

30-Apr-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding, Limited Term

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.