Postdoctoral Fellow – mRNA – LNP, Mechanical Engineering in Cockrell School of Engineering Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow – mRNA – LNP, Mechanical Engineering in Cockrell School of Engineering

The Postdoctal Fellow will lead research efforts to connect the interal structure of mRNA lipid nanoparticles with key biological metrics and establish design principles that enhance their therapeutic performance.

Responsibilities:

• LNP assembly and characterization (in collaboration with partners)
• Data analysis, modeling, and design rule development
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Scientific communication (writing, presenting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Physics or a related field received with the past 3 years.
• Demonstrated experience in small angle scattering, soft matter characterization and/or physical chemistry with lipid, polymer, or biological materials.
• Ability to work well with cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams.
• Ability to lead collaborative projects and communicate results effectively in writing and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on SAXS experience (lab-based and/or synchrontron), familiarity with SAXS analysis software (e.g. BioXTAS RAW, SasView, Irena/Nika).
• Experience with LNPs, liposomes, polymersones, or related soft nanoparticle systems, a demonstrated habit of project management, active reading, conference engagement, and publication record.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Salary: $63,537

Working Conditions:

• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around chemicals
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Letter of interest
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor