Postdoctoral Research Associate; Burke

JOB SUMMARY

Research in the Burke Lab at the University of Connecticut is centered on the synthesis and characterization of functional biomaterials, where we work with both natural polymers and novel synthetic polymers to add capabilities that current biomaterials lack. Our lab questions how polymers interface with biological environments by combining new material syntheses with microscopy, chemical and structural property analysis, and molecular biology techniques.

A particular area of emphasis is the tailoring of polymer surfaces to induce changes in cell function and protein deposition/organization for regenerative medicine applications.

This postdoctoral position builds upon our recent studiesthathave revealed the potential to tune self-assembly and therapeutic release profiles from protein-based biomaterials by tuningsurfacechemistries. This position will generate degradable materials for the treatment of post-surgical pain and for broader applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The successful candidate will lead the development of novel biomaterials, involving the synthesis and modification of polymers as biomaterials, synthetic polymer and biopolymer characterization, in vitro tissue culture and functional characterization, in vivo experimentation (small animal), and data analysis.

The position provides opportunities to develop and publish innovative research and to contribute to high impact studies of biomaterials science.

• Conduct research in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering, which includes synthesis and characterization of biocompatible polymers, hydrogels, films, and scaffolds for applications in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications.
• Propose creative and novel solutions to current biomedical problems by developing hypotheses, designing and carrying out experiments, analyzing results, and writing research papers and contributing to grant reports
• Keep track of the current literature in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and related fields, with potential to write comprehensive review papers.
• Engage in the dissemination of research in regular group meetings, internal seminars, national/international scientific conferences, and journal publications.
• Submit postdoctoral fellowship applications and assist faculty in grant proposal writing (e.g., NIH, NSF, and DoD).
• Work with the PI to manage other researchers, including trainees, graduate students, undergraduate students, and high school students
• Engage inappropriate training of lab personnel and lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering supplies as the principal investigators require.
• Work closely in an interdisciplinary environment with other members of the Institute of Materials Science to conduct and carry out the research, share research ideas, and come up with solutions for scientific/clinical problems.

This position is a full-time, 12-month appointment that is annually renewable, based on performance and funding availability. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Other rights and terms and conditions of your appointment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Local 6950.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Please apply online at  Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499410 to upload a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please also upload a research statement including a summary of previous research experiences and the candidate’s motivation for a…