Postdoctoral Associate - University of Florida

Postdoctoral Associate

Highly motivated candidates are sought for a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of Dr. Carlos M. Rinaldi-Ramos, within the Department of Chemical Engineering, the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program at the University of Florida within the Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery. The Rinaldi-Ramos lab is working at the frontier of the emerging field of magnetic particle imaging, developing tracers to track nanomedicines, immune cell therapies, and immune responses in the context of cancer, arthritis, and traumatic brain injury. Current projects are supported by several multi-year grants focused on the development of nanoparticle tracers optimized for high sensitivity and resolution in MPI and for ex vivo and in vivo labeling of target cells and tissues. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to design, formulate, and test new magnetic particle imaging tracers by bringing together expertise in chemistry, nanotechnology, magnetism, and biology. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Engineering (e.g., Bioengineering, Biomedical, Chemical, Materials Science & Engineering), Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields. 
• A strong publication record in materials science, biomaterials, nanomedicine, or related disciplines. 
• Experience with nanoparticle synthesis/characterization and bioconjugate chemistry. 
• Experience with animal models of cancer, T cell biology, cancer immunology and/or evaluation of nanoparticle drug delivery or imaging agents. 

All candidates expected to demonstrate:

• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary, diverse, and collaborative research environment.
• Motivation to publish rigorous and impactful work. 
• Genuine interest in science, innovation, and creative thinking. 

Candidates will receive training in the fast-developing fields of magnetic particle imaging and join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team comprising engineers, immunologists, cancer biologists, and translational scientists.

The successful candidate will be expected to design and implement projects, work with human and mouse primary cells and with mouse models, collaborate within and between labs, participate in the drafting of scientific publications and funding proposals, and may, with direction from the PI, supervise technical support personnel. The selected individual will receive strong mentoring to promote scientific growth and development and will have access to a wide variety of professional development activities at the University of Florida. Postdoctoral seminars and career development seminars are put on by both the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Career Connections Center at the University of Florida. These seminars will enable the selected candidate to learn critical skills for navigating the academic career path. 

The University of Florida is a comprehensive university, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus. UF is a highly collaborative environment that provides researchers with many opportunities for learning (e.g., top seminar programs, excellent core research facilities) and research collaborations. Gainesville is in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that’s comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

Salary guided by NIH guidelines and candidate’s experience.

Ph.D. in Engineering (e.g., Bioengineering, Biomedical, Chemical, Materials Science & Engineering), Chemistry, or Pharmacy, Cancer Biology, or related fields. 

A strong interest in research, as well as excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills. Applicants must possess good problem solving and organizational skills, as well as demonstrate the ability to independently design and conduct experiments and complete research projects.  Applicants must also have a track record of first-author and co-author peer-reviewed publications and references that indicate a strong history of teamwork and interpersonal skills. Individuals with experience in nanoparticle synthesis/characterization, bioconjugate chemistry, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of nanoparticle drug delivery or imaging agents are especially desirable.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and effectively.
• Proven track record of problem-solving.
• Experience in writing research manuscripts for peer review.
• Experience in in vitro cell culture and animal models relevant to cancer nanomedicine.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills.
• Experience working with college students and staff.
• Demonstrated skills in working well under pressure to prioritize and manage multiple priorities as a part of a multi-projects team.
• Energy to flexibly manage the professional demands of a challenging workload while maintaining positive and healthy perspectives and relationships.
• Self-motivated, self-directed commitment to high professional ideals, standards and ethics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, personal research statement (maximum two pages), and the names and contact information for three references.

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. J1 Visa will be considered.

The final candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.