Post Doctoral Scholar - Comprehensive Cancer Center

Postdoctoral Scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Bryan Smith, Ph.D., within the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Our laboratory develops nanotechnology-based platforms for therapeutic delivery, immune modulation, and molecular imaging. Research focuses on the design, synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of nanomaterials for applications in inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and related disorders. We integrate nanomedicine, biomaterials engineering, chemistry, imaging science, immunology, and translational science to develop next‑generation diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will lead independent and collaborative research projects centered on the development and characterization of nanomaterials and nanomedicine systems. The successful candidate will contribute to nanoparticle synthesis and optimization, physicochemical characterization, in‑vitro and in‑vivo evaluation, and mechanistic studies of nano‑bio interactions. The position provides opportunities to work at the interface of chemistry, nanotechnology, engineering, and biomedical research in a highly collaborative environment.

The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to design and execute experiments independently, analyze and interpret complex datasets, contribute to manuscript and grant preparation, and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.

Required: Extensive experience in the synthesis, formulation, or characterization of nanomaterials, biomaterials, or drug delivery systems. Strong background in chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, or related disciplines. Experience with physicochemical characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microscopy, chromatography, or related analytical methods. Demonstrated ability to design and conduct independent wet‑lab experiments and maintain detailed research documentation.

Experience with biological evaluation of nanomaterials, including mammalian cell culture, viability assays, uptake studies, immunological assays, microscopy, or molecular biology techniques. Familiarity with small animal studies and translational research approaches is necessary; advanced microscopy experience is highly preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Preferred: Experience with flow cytometry (including spectral flow cytometry), confocal imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, biodistribution studies, pharmacokinetics, or multimodal imaging approaches. Experience with biomolecular conjugation, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, or other nanoscale therapeutic systems is highly desirable. Familiarity with immunology, inflammation biology, and/or cancer or cardiovascular biology is a plus.

Required: Ability to analyze and interpret diverse nanoparticle characterization data, microscopy datasets, advanced image analysis, and biological assay results. Experience with statistical analysis, data visualization, and preparation of publication‑quality figures.

Preferred:

Experience with flow cytometric analysis,
-omics datasets, pharmacokinetic modeling, curve fitting, or computational analysis workflows. Familiarity with software platforms such as Flow Jo, Prism, ImageJ/Fiji, or related analytical tools is beneficial.

A Ph.D. in an appropriate discipline is required.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.