Postdoctoral Scholar

Oregon Health & Science University • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pfeifer lab, established in 2011 within the School of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences, is a collaborative research group focused on developing materials solutions for healthcare applications, particularly at the interface of microbiology and host tissue interactions. The lab has a strong track record in Biomaterials and Polymer Chemistry, supported by NIH-National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others, with over 150 publications and several patents. The lab utilizes a multidisciplinary team of materials scientists, clinicians, engineers, chemists, and microbiologists. The Pfeifer lab is seeking an immediate opening for a Post-doctoral researcher/fellow to join an enthusiastic and dynamic group. This role requires research performance aligned with the goals of Principal Investigator, Carmem Pfeifer PhD. The lab offers opportunities for publishing papers, submitting grant proposals, presenting at technical meetings, and collaborating with industry and academic/government partners. Previous lab members have advanced to leadership roles in industry and academia. Current research areas within the lab include the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials for dental and biomedical applications, focusing on developing restorative materials that can withstand the oral environment's challenges (mechanical loading, acid demineralization, enzyme degradation). Additionally, the lab tests materials under physiological conditions in vitro, assessing resistance to degradation through microbiology assays, mechanical testing, and spectroscopic techniques. The successful candidate will likely possess deep expertise in a specific area and may have experience spanning multiple fields. A strong record of scholarly activity, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications or translational research, is essential.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a relevant field.
• Experience in two or more of the following: molecular biology and microbiology assays, chemical synthesis of small molecules, liquid chromatography, bioconjugation reactions, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, drug delivery, and small animal models.
• A record of collaborative research, or the potential for collaborative research.
• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• 3-4 years of laboratory-related experience.
• Mechanical testing: universal testing machine (flexural strength, fracture toughness), dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology.
• Spectroscopic techniques: IR and UV-Vis.
• Manuscript writing experience.
• Strong English language skills (writing and speaking).
• Must work independently.
• Attention to detail and good record-keeping are essential.
• Grant writing experience.
• MATLAB.
• Additive manufacturing.
• Workshop experience.

Nice To Haves

• The successful candidate will likely have deep expertise in a singular area of focus, but may also have worked as boundary spanners across multiple fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research performance consistent with the goals of the principal investigator, Carmem Pfeifer PhD.
• Publish papers, submit grant proposals, and present at technical meetings.
• Work with partners in industry and university/government.
• Lead and participate on team projects in Dr. Pfeifer's group.
• Contribute to the group in a meaningful way.
• Participate in career development training opportunities.

Benefits

• Opportunities to publish papers, submit grant proposals, present at technical meetings, and work with partners in industry and university / government.
• Career development training opportunities are plentiful at OHSU, and participation is highly encouraged by the PI.
• Opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree