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A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
This postdoctoral fellow position will focus on biomaterials-enabled cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors, with an emphasis on glioblastoma. The fellow will develop and evaluate biomaterial platforms for the manufacture and local delivery of genetically engineered immune cells, including CAR T cells. Responsibilities will include human and murine immune-cell culture and engineering, in vitro functional characterization, and preclinical evaluation in orthotopic tumor models. The fellow will also analyze immune-cell phenotype, persistence, and antitumor activity using flow cytometry, cytokine assays, bioluminescence imaging, and tissue-based analyses.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in biomedical engineering or related field
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The applicant must have experience in biomaterials fabrication and characterization and in the culture and genetic modification of primary human or murine immune cells. Experience with viral transduction, nonviral transfection, CAR T-cell functional assays, multicolor flow cytometry, and cytokine analysis is required. The applicant must also have experience conducting preclinical studies in murine tumor models, including tumor implantation, bioluminescence imaging, blood and tissue collection, and downstream analysis. Experience with orthotopic brain-tumor models, stereotaxic surgery, or intracranial tumor resection is highly desirable. The applicant must be able to design and execute experiments independently, maintain accurate and compliant research records, analyze and communicate scientific results, and work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
