Postdoctoral Associate; Sharma Lab

Job Overview

Role:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Sharma Research Group (Northwestern University/Lurie Children’s Hospital) to develop regenerative engineering strategies for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and urological disease states.

Location:

Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center. Position is one‑year term‑limited, funded by a grant, with a possibility of renewal beyond the initial appointment period with satisfactory performance. Available immediately; start date flexible.

• Provide technical assistance to researchers as requested.
• Perform genetic studies and molecular biology tasks, including Redcap/Imaging software and gene chip arrays.
• Analyze data, prepare data for presentations, grants, and publications.
• Help write grant proposals and progress reports related to research projects.
• Participate in regular lab meetings, journal clubs, and research seminars.
• Carry out additional job functions as assigned.

• Doctorate (Ph.D. or MD) in Medical or Biological Sciences.
• 0‑3 years of experience with culture of cells, fabrication of human organoids containing multiple cell types, and organoid characterization techniques (cell viability, metabolic assays, RNA‑seq, post‑translational modification characterizations, confocal imaging with quantification).
• Experience in deriving, isolating, culturing, and evaluating novel pluripotent and multipotent stem and progenitor cells from diverse tissues.
• Proficiency with quantitative morphometry derived from IHC/IF tissue staining.
• Nanomolecule design, synthesis, and characterization (WAXS, SAXS, CD, HPLC, LC‑MS/MS) with in‑vitro and in‑vivo assessments.
• Small molecule identification via library screens; subsequent in‑vitro and in‑vivo testing for tissue regeneration and inflammation modulation.
• Knowledge of polymeric biomaterial fabrication and characterization (mechanical testing, IR, NMR) with in‑vivo applications.
• 3D printing ability with in‑vivo applications.
• Experience with small and large animal handling, surgery, and maintenance.
• Strong statistical/data analysis background and expertise with statistical software (R, Python, MATLAB, SAS), agent‑based modeling, PK/PD modeling, and machine‑learning skills.
• Familiarity with soft, conformal bioelectronics.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to establish priorities and respond promptly to varied requests.

Ph.D. in Medical or Biological Sciences.

Proficiency in computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Pay Range: $46,280.00‑$75,670.40. Salary is reviewed regularly against market conditions.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance (employer paid group term life and disability).
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave.
• 403(b) with 5% employer match.
• Voluntary benefits:
  Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability, Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity, Tuition assistance, Student loan servicing and support, Adoption benefits, Backup Childcare and Eldercare, Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on services at Lurie Children’s facilities and purchasing program.

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.