Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Summary

The Deak Laboratory at Drexel University is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary research program at the interface of immunology, biomaterials, and chemical engineering. The position is supported by two recently funded NIH R01 projects focused on engineering immune responses for immune tolerance and therapeutic vaccination against HIV.
Our laboratory develops biomaterial and chemistry-based approaches to manipulate dendritic cell function and downstream adaptive immune responses. Current projects include engineering tolerogenic dendritic cells for durable, antigen-specific immune tolerance and developing liposomal nanotrap therapeutic vaccines that capture viral particles and redirect them toward productive antigen-presenting cell responses. These projects integrate chemical synthesis, lipid and polymeric biomaterials, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, cellular immunology, flow cytometry, and in vivo studies.
We are particularly interested in a scientist who can take a leadership role within the laboratory while remaining actively engaged in experimental research. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI to coordinate these newly funded projects, mentor junior researchers, and help maintain an organized and productive laboratory environment.

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Essential Functions

• Lead and coordinate research activities associated with NIH-funded projects in immune tolerance engineering and therapeutic vaccination.
• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments involving biomaterials and immune-cell interactions.
• Prepare and characterize liposomal, lipid-based, and polymeric biomaterial systems.
• Perform or oversee chemical synthesis and conjugation of biomaterial components and targeting molecules.
• Conduct immunological assays, including mammalian cell culture, immune-cell isolation and differentiation, flow cytometry, and related functional assays.
• Coordinate experiments across students, collaborators, and project personnel and help maintain progress toward project milestones.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Assist with laboratory organization and administration, including ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, protocol development, and implementation of laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and future grant applications.
• Promote rigorous experimental practices, clear documentation, and an organized and collaborative laboratory environment
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, immunology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 5-10 years of research experience.
• Research experience in immunology, bioengineering or immunoengineering.
• Experience with chemical synthesis, biomaterials, drug delivery, nanoparticles, or lipid-based systems.
• Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental documentation and laboratory operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with dendritic cells, T-cell immunology, immune tolerance, vaccines, or viral immunology.
• Experience with liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric particles, or related drug-delivery systems.
• Experience with lipid or small-molecule synthesis, bioconjugation, or surface functionalization.
• Experience with multicolor flow cytometry and primary immune-cell culture.
• Experience with animal studies and analysis of immune responses in vivo.
• Previous experience mentoring students or coordinating research projects.
• Demonstrated leadership and laboratory-management skills.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Applicants should submit a CV, brief statement of research experience and interests (<1 page), and contact information for references. The research statement should highlight relevant experience in immunology, biomaterials, chemical synthesis, and/or research leadership.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.