Sr Associate Scientist

Temple University

10d • $75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD-level Associate Scientist to join our NIH-funded research team. This position sits at the vital intersection of neuropharmacology, bioengineering, and neuroimmunology. Our program focuses on developing innovative targeted nanomedicines (specifically mRNA/siRNA-loaded LNPs) to modulate the neuroinflammatory response and signal transduction pathways in neurological disorders, with primary emphasis on ischemic stroke.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field and at least 5 years of Postdoctoral experience
• Pharmacological Insight: Strong understanding of molecular pharmacology, drug delivery kinetics, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., NLRP3 inflammasome, cytokine networks).
• Analytical Excellence: Experience with flow cytometry analysis (preferred) and longitudinal neurobehavioral assessments.
• Surgical Mastery (Critical): Substantial experience and strong proficiency in rodent stroke models (tMCAO/pMCAO), including stereotaxic injections.

Nice To Haves

• Neuroimmunological Profiling: Design and execute experiments to characterize post-stroke immune responses, focusing on microglial polarization, leukocyte infiltration, and cytokine signaling using multi-color flow cytometry (transcriptomics is a plus).
• Targeted Nanomedicine Evaluation: Formulate and optimize targeted LNPs for mRNA/siRNA delivery across the BBB.

Responsibilities

• Expert Stroke Surgery: Lead the in vivo arm by performing complex microsurgeries, including intraluminal transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (tMCAO), permanent MCAO, and embolic models (e-MCAO) in mice.
• Nano-Bioengineering: Formulate, characterize, and optimize Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs). Assess their ability to bypass the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and achieve target engagement with specific neuroimmune cell populations (microglia/astrocytes).
• Neuroimmunological Profiling: Quantify the immune landscape using multi-color flow cytometry and histological analysis (RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics a plus).
• Surgical Mastery (Critical): Substantial experience and strong proficiency in rodent stroke models (tMCAO/pMCAO), including stereotaxic injections.
• Neuroimmunological Profiling: Design and execute experiments to characterize post-stroke immune responses, focusing on microglial polarization, leukocyte infiltration, and cytokine signaling using multi-color flow cytometry (transcriptomics is a plus).
• Targeted Nanomedicine Evaluation: Formulate and optimize targeted LNPs for mRNA/siRNA delivery across the BBB.
• BBB & Target Engagement: Perform and analyze assays to assess BBB integrity and target engagement (e.g., immunostaining, flow cytometry).
• Experimental Design & Analysis: Independently manage longitudinal studies, integrating behavioral recovery assessments (e.g., mNSS, CatWalk, adhesive removal) with molecular endpoints. Experience with Prism for statistical modeling preferred.
• Mentorship: Act as technical lead and advisor for laboratory staff on microsurgical techniques and neuroimmunological assays.
• Write papers and collaborate in writing grants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full medical, dental, vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
• 3 Personal Days
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!

What This Job Offers

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