Position Summary

A Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) position is available in the Translational NanoImmunoEngineering (T-NIE) lab of Dr. Bryan R. Smith in the Biomedical Engineering Department (BME) and the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ) at Michigan State University. The T-NIE Laboratory is working at the interface of nanoengineering, immunology, and advanced imaging to develop new strategies to therapeutically manipulate and visualize the immune system in living subjects in the context of inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis. We develop novel nanoimaging and nanotherapy platforms employing a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches. 

We are seeking a highly motivated research associate (post-doctoral researcher) with experience in atherosclerosis research and in imaging, who has interest in the interface between atherosclerosis therapy, immunology, nanotechnology, and advanced molecular imaging. This project will leverage the T-NIE lab's expertise in the molecular imaging modality photoacoustic imaging (also known as multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT)), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nanoengineering. We seek to use multimodal imaging to address challenges in measuring the response-to-therapy in vivo: we will use the whole-body, non-ionizing, and contrast-enhanced power of MRI at the macroscale integrated with the mesoscale, high resolution and contrast afforded to MSOT to directly visualize host immune trafficking to inflamed atherosclerotic plaques as a direct measure of the (immune) response to a novel nanotherapy. The successful candidate will benefit from mentorship by Dr. Smith and others on the team in immunology and cardiovascular medicine. The successful applicant is expected to lead this project alongside support from other lab members to deliver on key milestones for this new research project funded by an Alliance grant between the Corewell Health hospital system and MSU. We strongly encourage candidates with experience in molecular imaging and atherosclerosis research and interest in developing and engaging in cutting-edge nanoengineering, immunology, and imaging technologies to apply.

The successful research associate will lead the in vivo animal model imaging and translational human specimen studies development, cellular/molecular imaging, and nanomaterial-immune cell interaction of this exciting collaborative research initiative and will be responsible for:

• Learning and establishing in vivo models of atherosclerosis 
• Perform and analyze in vivo molecular imaging assays (MRI and MSOT) in vitro and in vivo in mouse models, alongside and corroborative ex vivo assays (e.g., blood assays, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, etc.).
• Assessment of the technology in human blood vessel
• If qualified, may be responsible for generation of the theranostic nanomaterial

The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art imaging and laboratory equipment and core facilities to help ensure the success of this project. The successful candidate must be well-organized, self-driven, and display strong oral and written communication skills. They will have published first-author papers in internationally recognized journals. They must also be able to multi-task and solve problems creatively, with the capacity both to work independently and cooperatively with a team. The successful candidate will be expected to stay current on relevant literature related to the research project (particularly imaging, nanomedicine, atherosclerosis, therapy, and immunology), write manuscripts and funding application

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

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