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Postdoctoral position in DNA-based nanocluster fluorophores for deep tissue bioimaging

Employer: University of California, Irvine

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Anticipated Position Duration: 2 –3 years

Job description: The Copp lab seeks an exceptionally creative, motivated, and collaborative postdoctoral scholar to work on the group’s effort to develop novel near-infrared emitters for biomedical imaging. High-throughput experimental approaches will be used to discover DNA-templated silver nanoclusters with bright near-infrared emission. Detailed analytical studies will assess nanocluster composition, structure, and photophysical properties. Nanoclusters will be functionalized for targeted molecular labeling, and proof-of-principle fluorescence microscopy will be performed to assess fitness for deep tissue imaging, including with collaborators.

The postdoctoral scholar will join a highly cross-disciplinary team of motivated researchers working on problems at the intersection of molecular nanomaterials, photonics, and biotechnology. In addition to advancing their research skills, this position also provides valuable opportunities for professional development through active collaborations, leadership and mentorship development, scientific communication and writing, and proposal development.

The following qualifications are required for applicants:

• A PhD in chemistry, biomaterials science and engineering, or a related discipline. If not already received, a PhD must be earned before the position start date.
• Expertise in biomolecular conjugation
• Expertise in fluorescence spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy

The following areas of expertise are strongly desired for applicants:

• Expertise in chemical synthesis of nanoclusters and/or inorganic nanoparticles
• Past experience with robotic liquid handling systems for high-throughput experiments
• Past experience with DNA or peptide chemistry and/or nanotechnology
• Protein or nucleic acid X-ray crystallography and/or microelectron diffraction
• Past experience with cell culture and cytotoxicity assays

Applicant’s track record of innovation, creativity, and problem solving will be strongly considered in selection. For this reason, letters of recommendation will be evaluated in detail.

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09354

Complete applications must include the following:

1. Cover Letter that delineates specifically how your expertise can be applied to the work in this lab and your career goals

2. Detailed CV, including a list of publications

3. At least three (3) letters of recommendation

Contact:
Professor Stacy Copp, Ph.D.
Molecular Nanomaterials Lab
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of California at Irvine
Email: stacy.copp@uci.edu

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
  

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.