A Post-doctoral Associate position in Polymer Biomaterials is available to work in a project on the synthesis of functional polymers and their biomedical and bioengineering applications led by Dr. Amal Narayanan in the Department of Chemistry at University of Florida. We have a position available in the Narayanan Lab to work on synthesis of protein-mimetic polymers and identifying their interactome in extracellular and intracellular spaces. We are looking for individuals with strong background in small molecule and polymer synthesis and their characterization, experience in characterizing the mechanical and surface properties of soft materials, and mammalian and/or bacterial cell culture(s). Practical knowledge in high-throughput experimentation, confocal microscopy, and image analysis will be a plus.
Must have PhD in Polymer Science, Chemistry or related disciplines. This position will be initially awarded for one year, and, contingent upon strong performance and conduct and availability of funds, may be renewed for up to two/three years.
UF is the state’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive land grant university with an enrollment of over 50,000 students and was ranked 6th in the country among public universities (US News and World Report 2023 rankings), and 1st among public institutions in the Wall Street Journal 2023 survey. UF is located in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, and 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support a range of activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer a variety of programs including magnet schools and an international baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.
Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Bioengineering or other related disciplines
Strong background with published evidence in at least three of these areas:
Polymer synthesis and characterization
Synthesis of polymer prodrugs
Soft materials characterization (example: force measurements, rheology, tensile testing, adhesion)
Mammalian, bacterial, and/or fungal cell culture
Confocal microscopy
High-throughput experimentation
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
For full consideration, applications must be submitted online. Click on Apply Now at the top of this posting.
A complete application includes (1) a cover letter detailing how this postdoctoral stint aligns with Narayanan Lab Polymer Biomaterials research and your personal research and career goals (1-2 pages). Please refrain from exhausting the cover letter with your research or publication summary. (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) a list of at least three references. After initial review, letters of recommendation will be requested from the references for selected applicants. (4) optional: top three research contributions.
Applications will be reviewed beginning July 2, and the position will remain open until filled. Only complete applications will be reviewed at this time. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the committee and/or hiring authority.
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
The Department of Chemistry is committed to promoting an environment that welcomes all abilities, classes, ethnicities/races, gender identities and expressions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.
