Job Description Summary:Two full-time doctoral positions and one full-time postdoctoral scientist position are available at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry under the direct supervision of Assistant Professor, Ming Zhao. Candidates with a strong interest in leveraging synthetic and living biomaterials to develop novel biopharmaceutical formulations for better human healthcare are encouraged to apply. Experience in one or more of the following areas of gene therapy, vaccine development, microbiology in medicine, and cancer nanomedicine is highly desirable for the positions. To gain insights into our research program and mission, please visit our laboratory website at https://pharmchem.ku.edu/people/ming-zhao-0 . Postdoctoral applicants should have authored one or more first-author publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Effective communication skills are a must, 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.
Required Qualifications
Academic background in biochemistry, bioengineering, microbiology, medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications in One or More of the Following
Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques for protein, RNA, and DNA (e.g., molecular cloning, PCR, protein expression and purification, RNA synthesis).
Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing strategies.
Experience utilizing cell membrane coating technology in research projects.
Hands-on experience in evaluation of vaccine effectiveness on mouse models.
Proficiency in working with mammalian/microbial cell culture.
Experience in developing new standard operating procedures through literature searches.
Skills
Strong statistical analysis and data presentation skills, including (GraphPad, OriginPro).
Ability to independently plan, multi-task, and complete projects.
Strong communication skills.
About the University of Kansas (KU) and the School of PharmacyEstablished in 1865, KU has been a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1909 and has consistently held a position among the top 50 U.S. public universities. In a commitment to innovation and research, KU invests $340 million annually in research and development, placing it among the top 70 in the nation. The city of Lawrence, home to KU, has been recognized by the American Institute for Economic Research as one of the top 10 College Towns in the United States. The city offers a convenient public transit system, including an Amtrak train station and free buses within Lawrence, as well as to the nearby Kansas City in about 40 minutes, —a central metropolitan area in the Midwest. Additionally, the Kansas City airport is a short 40–45-minute drive away, providing direct flight connections to major coastal cities within 1-3 hours. The KU School of Pharmacy is ranked in the top 25 nationally out of nearly 150 schools of pharmacy, according to “U.S. News & World Report.” In the most recent assessment of total annual research funding received, KU School of Pharmacy holds a notable 12th position, reported by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. In addition, over decades, the KU School of Pharmacy is renowned for ensuring extraordinary job placements for its postdocs and doctoral graduates in leading pharmaceutical companies like Genentech, Amgen, Merck, Pfizer, as well as esteemed academic institutions. The PI is committed to offering robust supports for the candidates’ career development. About The PIDr. Zhao earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from UCLA and completed postdoctoral research training at MIT, working with Prof. Robert Langer & Prof. Giovanni Traverso. His research has led to eleven first-author publications in journals such as Nano Today, Advanced Healthcare Materials, Journal of Controlled Release, and others. Furthermore, he has three patents in process and four first-author papers undergoing peer review by prestigious journals including Nature’s sub-journals. In addition to the state-of-the-art research facilities at KU, the Zhao lab is well equipped with advanced research instruments and receives substantial funding from both the KU Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct cutting-edge research.
Required Documents for Application:
Resume/CV
Name and contacts of 3 professional references
Deadline for applicationOpen until filled. Contact informationMing Zhao, Ph.D. (mingzhao@ku.edu)