Postdoctoral Research Associate –Lab

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Clemons Lab

Salary Range: $62,500.00 - $75,000.00

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join the Clemons Lab, a multidisciplinary research group within the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. This position focuses on leading biological assessment efforts for cutting‑edge polymeric materials designed for medical, therapeutic, and biological applications. The researcher will work closely with materials scientists, polymer chemists, and biological collaborators to evaluate cellular response, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential.

The appointment is full‑time for 12 months with continuation contingent upon external funding.

• Lead biological evaluation of polymeric materials, including execution and optimization of in vitro cell‑based assays, cytotoxicity testing, transfection studies, and molecular analyses (qPCR, SDS‑PAGE, Western blotting).
• Design, perform, and interpret experiments in support of projects involving targeted protein degradation, polymeric nucleic acid delivery, and gene regulation for agricultural and biomedical applications.
• Perform imaging‑based assessments, including fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to characterize cellular and molecular responses.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers, fostering a supportive, collaborative learning environment and promoting high‑quality experimental practices.
• Lead data management, analysis, documentation, and dissemination, including preparation of manuscripts, conference presentations, and contributions to grant proposals.
• Perform other duties as assigned, such as managing group meeting logistics, leading correspondence with collaborators, and maintaining instruments.

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or a closely related field (awarded by start date: June 2026).
• Demonstrated experience with in vitro cell culture, including aseptic technique and routine maintenance of mammalian cell lines.
• Proficiency in cellular and molecular biology assays, including cytotoxicity assays, transfection, qPCR, SDS‑PAGE, and Western blotting.

• Expertise in cell‑based experiments and quantitative biological analysis.
• Proficiency with fluorescent and/or confocal microscopy, and imaging‑based data interpretation.
• Ability to perform immunohistochemistry and related staining/labeling techniques.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a collaborative, supportive laboratory culture.
• Commitment to mentorship, training, and the professional development of junior researchers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to review and edit manuscript drafts and produce publication‑quality writing and presentations.
• Ability to organize, document, and manage experimental data to research‑grade standards.

• Prior experience with polymer‑biological interfaces, therapeutic delivery systems, or protein/nucleic acid analysis.
• Peptide synthesis and purification.
• Recombinant expression and purification of nucleic acids.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts, grant proposals, or conference presentations.
• A willingness to be a team player, learn and grow with the Clemons Lab’s commitment to mentoring and professional development for academics and industry careers.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal‑opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY. As an affirmative action / equal employment opportunity employer, Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.