Research Associate, Research Scientist

Research Associate

The Sirsi Laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team focused on ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and acoustic biosensing. The primary focus of this role is to develop and characterize oxygen-sensitive micro-bubbles for molecular ultrasound imaging and localized therapeutic delivery. The successful candidate will work at the interface of microbubble formulation chemistry, acoustics, and biomedical engineering, advancing hemoglobin-based microbubble platforms from in vitro proof-of-concept toward in vivo validation.

Minimum Education and Experience
- Ph.D in a related field. Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral.

Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred

Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field. Demonstrated prior expertise in ultrasound contrast agent formulation is required. Candidates should have hands-on experience formulating and characterizing micro-bubbles, including shell composition design, PEGylation chemistry, and protein or lipid bioconjugation. Experience with acoustic characterization of micro-bubbles, including in vitro ultrasound imaging and signal processing. Proficiency in standard characterization techniques such as Coulter counter sizing, confocal and fluorescence microscopy, TEM, and absorbance/fluorescence spectroscopy.

Strong record of scientific productivity, including first-author peer-reviewed publications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment. Additional experience in drug loading and drug delivery using ultrasound is highly preferential. This includes remote/active drug loading strategies, liposomal drug encapsulation, and ultrasound-triggered drug release. Experience developing oxygen-sensitive or stimuli-responsive carriers, particularly hemoglobin-based micro-bubbles.

Familiarity with in vivo preclinical ultrasound imaging, including contrast-enhanced and non-linear imaging modes. Experience with microfluidic fabrication of monodisperse micro-bubbles. Background in targeted drug delivery for oncology applications, including doxorubicin formulation and cardiotoxicity mitigation strategies. Demonstrated success in translating in vitro findings to in vivo models.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Microbubble Formulation:
Design, fabricate, and optimize hemoglobin-based and lipid- or polymer-shelled micro-bubbles, including PEGylation chemistry, protein bioconjugation, and gas-core modification (e.g., perfluorobutane) to enhance stability, circulation time, and oxygen responsiveness. Acoustic Characterization:
Implement experimental setups to study the acoustic response, oscillation dynamics, and oxygen-dependent behavior of micro-bubbles across various ultrasound frequencies and mechanical indices. Ultrasound Contrast Agent Development:
Formulate and refine ultrasound contrast agents with controlled oxygen-binding properties for acoustic blood oxygen sensing and oxygen-sensitive drug uncaging. Drug Loading & Delivery:
Develop drug-loaded microbubble constructs (e.g., liposome–microbubble conjugates) and evaluate ultrasound-triggered, oxygen-dependent drug release using in vitro flow phantoms and preclinical models. Biomedical Application:
Collaborate with biologists, imaging scientists, and clinicians to test micro-bubbles in in vitro assays and in vivo preclinical studies, including immunogenicity, circulation half-life, and acoustic signal evaluation. Data Analysis & Publication:
Process and analyze experimental data, draft high-impact scientific manuscripts, and present findings at international conferences. Lab Mentorship:
Assist the Principal Investigator by co-supervising PhD and undergraduate students in microbubble fabrication, microscopy, and acoustic characterization techniques.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Additional Information - A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits Internal Training BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full-time employees PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan – PPO plans include ortho benefits Long and short-term disability…