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Postdoctoral Positions

Postdoctoral Fellow—Regenerative Engineering/Regenerative Biology

The Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE) at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) has post-doctoral associate positions available in the areas of musculoskeletal, bladder, and cardiovascular regenerative engineering research. Successful candidates will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary research team of researchers working on the development and evaluation of scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration. A successful candidate is expected to have expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques, with an emphasis on tools and methods used in adult stem cell research and analyses of tissues (e.g. differential gene expression and histological analyses). Applications will be considered immediately upon receipt and on a rolling basis through December 31, 2022.

Qualifications: PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering/Cell Biology/Molecular Biology or a closely related field to the research described above; Strong oral and written communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a track record of publications/research productivity in tissue engineering, orthopedic research, cardiovascular research, and stem cell research and technology.

Interested candidates should send a combined PDF with a cover letter describing their research interests, CV, and three professional references to Guillermo Ameer, Sc.D., Director of the Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering: g-ameer@northwestern.edu 


Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer.

Updated 9/28/2022

Postdoctoral Fellow- Regenerative Engineering/Biomaterials

The Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE) at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) has a post-doctoral associate position available in the area of regenerative biomaterials and devices for improving the outcome of cardiovascular medical procedures. Successful candidates will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary research team of researchers working on the design, 3D printing, and evaluation of polymeric biomaterials for resorbable vascular scaffolds. Applications will be considered immediately upon receipt and on a rolling basis through December 31, 2022.
Qualifications: PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering or a field related closely related to the research described above; Strong oral and written communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a track record of publications/research productivity in the following areas of specialization: biomaterials for tissue engineering, cardiovascular research, and polymer design, synthesis, and characterization.

Interested candidates should send a combined PDF with a cover letter describing their research interests, CV, and three professional references to Guillermo Ameer, Sc.D., Director of the Center for Advanced Regenerative Engineering: g-ameer@northwestern.edu  and Yonghui Ding, PhD: yonghui.ding@northwestern.edu 


Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer.

Updated 9/28/2022

 

Postdoctoral Fellow - Optics

The Backman Lab at Northwestern University is a pioneer in the development of novel super-resolution imaging and nano-sensing techniques, and currently has an opening for postdoctoral fellows. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical physics, or a related field. Successful candidates are expected to possess excellent written and oral communication skills in English, a good publication record in peer-reviewed journals, and to be highly motivated with demonstrable experience in modern optics.

The position is focused on developing endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) technologies to quantitatively study changes to microvascular function and tissue nanoscale organization in response to disease progression. Candidates must have experience in optical imaging device development, fiber optics, spectroscopy, and Matlab or Python. Strong preference will be given to candidates with postdoctoral training and/or experience with optical coherence tomography, endoscopic imaging, broadband light sources, fiber optic splicing, machine learning techniques, and modeling of optical systems (Zemax). Demonstrated creativity through patents and novel high impact publications is a plus.

Successful candidates will work under the direction of Dr. Vadim Backman, Walter Dill Scott Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Medicine (Oncology) and Molecular Genetics, and Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering at Northwestern University.

Outstanding candidates interested in this opportunity are encouraged to send a CV to Benjamin Keane at:

b-keane@northwestern.edu

Updated 9/28/2022

Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Genomics

Note: Applicants for this position must have a PhD and direct experience in computational genomics research.

The Backman Laboratory at Northwestern University’s Biomedical Engineering Department is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a cutting-edge research team at the crossroads of genomics, biology, physics, engineering and medicine. Our main goal is to investigate fundamental molecular questions and develop novel approaches relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other currently intractable diseases at early, treatable stages. We have developed a platform of pioneering super-resolution and nano-sensing optical microscopy technologies which, combined with genome mapping and other functional genomic approaches, allow us to study the causal relationship between the nanoscale structure of chromatin, global patterns of gene expression, and their alteration in disease. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Prof. Vadim Backman, Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, and collaborate closely with Center researchers.

As evidenced by recent publications in Nature Biomedical Engineering, PNAS, Cancer Research, and Scientific Reports, our group undertakes systematic approaches to understanding cancer development by integrating molecular dynamics simulations, live cell super-resolution nano-imaging, computational genomics, and genome mapping technologies.

The lab provides a highly collaborative, transdisciplinary environment consisting of researchers with diverse backgrounds: biomedical engineering, molecular biology, mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, etc. Additionally, the Backman Lab has collaborative projects with over 20 physicians, biomedical, and physical sciences investigators both internationally and domestically. Research projects reside within one or more priority areas: cancer biology, biophysics of the genome, or cancer therapeutics.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative candidate with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research integrating molecular biology, epigenetics, and computational genomics. It is anticipated that he/she will engage in preparation of original manuscripts for conferences and peer-reviewed journals as well as participate in writing grant proposals.

Specifically you will:

  • Analyze and integrate large datasets, including genomics and transcriptomics.
  • Integrate molecular and physical aspects of genome function.

Qualifications

The lab seeks applicants with a strong background in computational genomics. Successful candidates will have a mixture of the following skills:

  1. Degree:
    • Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D required, with proven experience in computational genomics research.
  2. Prior Experience:
    • 3 years’ experience in molecular dynamics (LAMMPS, GROMACS, etc.) and Monte Carlo simulations
    • Programming experience in Python, R, Bash, C++ and Fortran
    • Background in physics required
    • Background in chemistry and chromatin biology preferred
    • Basic background in statistics preferred
    • Experience with bioinformatics analysis (specifically single-cell and bulk RNA-seq) preferred
    • Organized and able to work independently
    • Works well as part of a collaborative team
  3. Proven track record demonstrating critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail and creativity are essential.
  4. Excellent prioritization and project management skills.
  5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in both spoken and written English.
  6. A solid record of quality publications in peer-reviewed journals showing an output commensurate with opportunity.

Qualified candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Benjamin Keane at:

b-keane@northwestern.edu.

Updated 9/28/2022

Postdoctoral Fellow - Mechanobiology

Note: Applicants for this position must have a PhD and direct experience in computational genomics research.

The Backman Laboratory at Northwestern University’s Biomedical Engineering Department is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a cutting-edge research team at the crossroads of genomics, biology, physics, engineering and medicine. Our main goal is to investigate fundamental molecular questions and develop novel approaches relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other currently intractable diseases at early, treatable stages. We have developed a platform of pioneering super-resolution and nano-sensing optical microscopy technologies which, combined with genome mapping and other functional genomic approaches, allow us to study the causal relationship between the nanoscale structure of chromatin, global patterns of gene expression, and their alteration in disease. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Prof. Vadim Backman, Director of the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering, and collaborate closely with Center researchers.

As evidenced by recent publications in Nature Biomedical Engineering, PNAS, Cancer Research, and Scientific Reports, our group undertakes systematic approaches to understanding cancer development by integrating molecular dynamics simulations, live cell super-resolution nano-imaging, computational genomics, and genome mapping technologies.

The lab provides a highly collaborative, transdisciplinary environment consisting of researchers with diverse backgrounds: biomedical engineering, molecular biology, mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, etc. Additionally, the Backman Lab has collaborative projects with over 20 physicians, biomedical, and physical sciences investigators both internationally and domestically. Research projects reside within one or more priority areas: cancer biology, biophysics of the genome, or cancer therapeutics.

We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and creative candidate with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research integrating stem cell and molecular biology with projects focused on mechanobiology for applications in regenerative medicine. The main objective is to determine mechanisms underlying the influence of various external mechanical cues on gene expression and genome architecture, and ultimately on cell fate/phenotype.

It is anticipated that he/she will engage in preparation of original manuscripts for conferences and peer-reviewed journals as well as participate in writing grant proposals.

Specifically you will:

  • Design functional genomics experiments, including transcription and epigenetic profiling.
  • Investigate mechanobiology and mechanotransduction processes in cells.

Qualifications

The lab seeks applicants with a strong background in mechanobiology. Successful candidates will have a mixture of the following skills:

  1. Degree:
    • Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D required, with proven experience in mechanobiology research.
  2. Prior Experience:
    • Strong background in stem cell and molecular biology
    • Expertise in designing functional genomics experiments, including transcription and epigenetic profiling
    • Experience in investigating mechanobiology and mechanotransduction processes in cells
    • Previous experience working with animal models
  3. Proven track record demonstrating critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail and creativity are essential.
  4. Excellent prioritization and project management skills.
  5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and fluency in both spoken and written English.
  6. A solid record of quality publications in peer-reviewed journals showing an output commensurate with opportunity.

Qualified candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Benjamin Keane at:

b-keane@northwestern.edu.

Updated 9/28/2022

Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Protein Engineering

The Mrksich group (mrksichgroup.northwestern.edu) at Northwestern University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our efforts in building protein-based molecules using the MegaMolecule approach developed in our laboratory (Modica, et al., JACS, 2018; Kimmel, et al., JACS, 2020; Modica, et al., JACS, 2020). To build MegaMolecules, we react the enzyme component of recombinant fusion proteins with selective inhibitors at the end of synthetic chemical linkers to precisely assemble large scaffolds. This approach has superior specificity and kinetics, often several orders of magnitude greater than traditional bioconjugation chemistries. Because of this distinct synthetic advantage, we can build molecules with much greater control of their structure and complexity than with traditional protein engineering techniques, and can create, for example, structures composed of more than twenty protein domains, with branched, cyclic and dendritic architectures, and with molecular weights greater than one Megadalton.

Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate with a PhD in Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology, Materials Science, or related field. The ideal candidate will have expertise in recombinant protein expression and protein engineering (plasmid design and preparation, cloning, protein expression, purification, and characterization), organic synthesis, and materials characterization.

To apply or inquire about the position, please email Brianna Bullock at mrksich-ofc@northwestern.edu and attach your cover letter and CV.

Updated 9/28/2022

Functional optical imaging lab

Functional Optical Imaging lab (FOIL) in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University is looking for two new postdoctoral fellows to join our extremely friendly, vibrant, productive, and collaborative group to develop novel optical coherence tomography and super-resolution imaging technologies.

  1. Optical coherence tomography: to design, develop, and validate new technologies for visible-light optical coherence tomography for small animals and humans. We especially encourage applicants with expertise on optical instrumentation using Zemax and Solidworks, or expertise on signal and image processing for retinal optical coherence tomography with a strong background in machine learning and Python. Experiences with small animal imaging and human retinal imaging are desired but not required.
  2. Super-resolution imaging: to design, develop, and validate new technologies for spectroscopic single-molecule localization microscopy. We especially encourage applicants with expertise on optical instrumentation using Zemax and Solidworks, or expertise on signal and image processing for STORM/PALM with a strong background in Python or JAVA programming, or expertise on developing new fluorescence labeling technologies for STORM. Experiences with cell culture and fluorescence labeling are required.

The successful candidates will be based on the Evanston campus and will work closely with collaborators from Northwestern and other institutions across the US. FOIL will provide a competitive salary and all the necessary resources to prepare members for their future careers in either academics or industry.
Please submit a CV, a cover letter, and names and contact information of three references to H. F. Zhang (hfzhang @ northwestern.edu).

For more information about the lab, please visit the FOIL website http://foil.northwestern.edu. For more information about Northwestern University, the City of Evanston, and the greater Chicago metropolitan area, please visit http://www.tgs.northwestern.edu.

Updated 9/28/2022

GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION AVAILABLE - FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS IN CANCERS

The laboratory of Dr. Zhe Ji at Northwestern University (https://sites.northwestern.edu/jilab/) seeks Ph.D. students working on the regulation of gene transcription and RNA translation in cancers. The lab is affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McCormick School of Engineering and the Department of Pharmacology at Feinberg School of Medicine. Our group uses cutting-edge high-throughput genomic technologies, such as single-cell RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and CLIP-seq, and computational modeling to identify key genes and associated regulatory circuits underlying oncogenic processes. We aim to reveal novel cancer therapeutic strategies for precision medicine and immunotherapy. The students can choose to work on experimental and/or computational genomics.

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Zhe Ji: zhe.ji@northwestern.edu 

Updated 9/28/2022

POST-DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

These studies involve the development and use of extended-release, targeted nanoparticles to deliver pharmacological and genetic agents to cells in the eye for use in the treatment of glaucoma. The project is collaborative with the University of Wisconsin. Applicants should have experience working with cells along with knowledge of biomaterials science, nanoscale science, polymer chemistry, and/or drug delivery systems. Other useful skills include use of atomic force microscopy, fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy, and experience with animal studies.

Position is for two years and is available immediately. Salary is negotiable, depending on level of experience. Interested candidates should email a curriculum vita, a list of three references and a one-page statement of research interests to:

Professor Mark Johnson (m-johnson2@northwestern.edu)

or

Professor Evan Scott (evan.scott@northwestern.edu)

Posted 9/28/2022

Postdoctoral Fellowship - Muscle Mechanics and Elastography

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work on an NIH-funded project investigating the mechanical properties and force generating capacity of muscle and how they can be imaged noninvasively using elastography. Candidates should have expertise in two or more of the following areas:

  • muscle physiology
  • in vivo experimentation
  • mechanical characterization of materials
  • ultrasound imaging
  • signal and image processing
  • finite element modeling

Successful candidates also will have demonstrated an ability to pursue independent research within a collaborative team and will have excellent communication skills.

The project is a collaboration between faculty at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The selected candidate will be exposed to and have the opportunity to collaborate on research activities across all sites. In addition to research, the position will include substantial mentoring and opportunities for the developing professional skills and networks relevant to a successful independent research career.

The position is available for a minimum of two years with an opportunity for renewal pending satisfactory performance. Interested candidates should send a CV and the names and contact information for three professional references. All materials should be sent in a single PDF to:

Eric Perreault

Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation e-perreault@northwestern.edu

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Posted 9/28/2022

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION - NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR CELL AND TISSUE ANALYSIS

Description: Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the area of cell and tissue analysis, from molecular to mechanical, in the Departments of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. The candidate will interact closely with investigators from the schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences in the context of applications ranging from tissue mechanics, mechanistic understanding of disease (e.g., Alzheimer’s, ADL), and immune therapies. The position will involve research at the intersection of engineering and biology and will be co-advised by Professors H.D. Espinosa and Evan Scott.

Desired Qualifications:

  1.  Ph.D. in engineering or related discipline
  2. Extensive experience with at least two of the following:
    1. Hands-on experience with cell culture, multiple molecular biology/biochemistry methods (plasmid preparation, transfection, CRISPR/Cas9, PCR, western blot, next-gen sequencing, FACS) and optical/confocal microscopy
    2. Working knowledge of bio-tools and their principles
    3. Microfabrication processes
    4. Microfluidic platforms and plasmonic sensing
  3. A good record of publications
  4. Strong verbal and written communication skills
  5. Eligibility to work in the US (i.e., visa, OPT or green card)

Why this is a great opportunity:

• Opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering and medicine
• Potential to be an inventor of new technologies and commercial products
• Experience a top US research university with first-class facilities
• Be part of one of the most collaborative and entrepreneurial environments in the US
• Many cultural and recreational activities at the university and Chicago area
• Comprehensive benefits

To apply: Interested candidates should email a CV (including list of publications with journal impact factors), cover letter describing research experience and interests, eligibility to work in the US, and the names and email addresses of three references to Professor Horacio D. Espinosa (espinosa@northwestern.edu).

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Updated 10/12/2022