Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) position is available in the Translational NanoImmunoEngineering (T-NIE) lab of Dr. Bryan R. Smith in the Biomedical Engineering Department (BME) and the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ) at Michigan State University.

The T-NIE Laboratory is working at the interface of nanoengineering, immunology, and advanced imaging to develop new strategies to therapeutically manipulate and visualize the immune system in living subjects in the context of inflammatory diseases including diabetes. We develop novel nanoimaging and nanotherapy platforms employing a variety of in vitro and in vivo experimental and computational approaches.

We seek a highly motivated research associate (post-doctoral researcher) with experience in diabetes research and interest in the interface between diabetes, nanotechnology, and advanced molecular imaging. This project will leverage the T-NIE lab’s expertise in the new molecular imaging modality magnetic particle imaging (MPI) and nanoengineering. We seek to leverage the high-contrast, non-ionizing, whole-body, and linearly quantitative power of MPI, while developing its inherent ability to produce “color” images, to directly visualize host immune-mediated rejection of allogeneic pancreatic islet grafts by multiple immune cell types simultaneously. The successful candidate will benefit from mentorship by Dr. Smith, as part of a team that includes diabetes imaging and immunology experts (such as Dr. Anna Moore and Dr. Cheryl Rockwell). The successful applicant is expected to lead this research project alongside a PhD student and deliver on key milestones for this new project funded by the JDRF, the top Foundation funding Type 1 diabetes research. We strongly encourage candidates with experience and interest in diabetes research interested in engaging in cutting-edge nanomedicine, immunology, and molecular/cellular imaging to apply.

The successful research associate will lead the in vivo animal model and model development, cellular/molecular imaging, and nanomaterial-immune cell interaction of this exciting collaborative research initiative and will be responsible for:

• Learning and establishing in vivo models of immune-mediated islet graft rejection
• Perform in vivo molecular imaging assays in mouse models and corroborative ex vivo assays (e.g., blood assays, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, etc.).
• Assessment of the impact of new nanomaterials on immune cell behavior in vitro

The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art imaging and laboratory equipment and core facilities to help ensure the success of this project.

The successful candidate must be well-organized, self-driven, and display strong oral and written communication skills. They will have published first-author papers in internationally recognized journals.

They must also be able to multi-task and solve problems creatively, with the capacity both to work independently and cooperatively with a team. The successful candidate will be expected to stay current on relevant literature related to the research project (particularly nanomedicine, diabetes, imaging, and immunology), write manuscripts and funding applications such as fellowships, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -a relevant discipline, including but not limited to biology, medicine, biomedical engineering, and chemical engineering

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD and/or MD in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to biology, medicine, biomedical engineering, and chemical engineering.

Desired Qualifications

• Diabetes research
• Immunology experience/expertise
• Imaging experience, particularly magnetic particle imaging (MPI), is a major plus
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter,
• Curriculum Vitae (recently updated CV),
• 3-5 professional references,
• summary of research experience (optional).

Special Instructions

Please contact Dr. Bryan Smith at smit2901@msu.edu with any questions about the position. More information about IQ and Dr. Smith can be found at https://smithlab.iq.msu.edu/

Review of Applications Begins On

01/03/2024

Summary of Physical Demands

Carrying Less than 50 pounds ~50 feet

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal
Precautions.

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue

Website

https://smithlab.iq.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.