Postdoctoral Fellow - mRNA - LNP, Mechanical Engineering in Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin in Main Campus, UT

Job description

Job Posting Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - mRNA - LNP, Mechanical Engineering in Cockrell School of Engineering ---- Hiring Department: Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2027 ---- Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ---- Job Details: General Notes: As a top-10 engineering school with the No. 1 program in Texas, the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. With 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation’s most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy to health care. Situated in the heart of Austin — named “America’s Coolest City” by Expedia and “The Best Place to Live in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report — the Cockrell School embodies the city’s innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google, and many others, continue to recruit Cockrell School students at a remarkable rate, launching thousands of successful careers and developing Texas Engineers into industry leaders. In the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, we design and build devices and systems that transform industries and improve lives around the world. A pioneer in areas such as robotics and advanced manufacturing, Texas Mechanical Engineering is the birthplace of selective laser sintering, one of the first and most successful 3D-printing technologies. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are consistently recognized as the best in the nation, leading the way in mechanical engineering education and innovation. Purpose: 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 Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any addit