Postdoctoral Scholar in Carbohydrate Synthesis

Bhattacharya Lab UNLV is looking for talented and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group in the areas of carbohydrate chemistry. The project will primarily focus on the delivery of mRNA to immune cells. RNA-based drugs are a promising new class of biologics that can revolutionize therapeutic vaccination, protein replacement therapies, and the treatment of genetic diseases. However, the use of mRNA is limited by their intrinsic molecular instability and in vivo delivery barriers. Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have been shown to be effective for mRNA delivery with the potential to overcome these physiological barriers and provide an alternative method for gene therapy without the drawbacks associated with viral delivery. Here at UNLV, we are leveraging the power of unique glycosylation signatures for diseased cell recognition to develop novel therapeutic delivery strategies for mRNA targeting for cancer immunotherapy.

Key Responsibilities:

-Design, synthesize, purify, and analyze novel lipids/polymers for nucleic acid delivery

-Execute formulation and analysis of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles

-Assisting in the development of novel formulations, analytics, and processes for novel formulations

-Maintain detailed notes to facilitate formulation tracking and proper documentation

-Conducts literature searches and reviews, compiling information for journals and suggesting uses for new techniques to the P.I.

-Mentoring graduate students and undergraduate students who will work on relevant projects is required

Required Skills:

-Experience in carbohydrate synthesis is required

-Demonstrated ability in the design and optimization of synthetic strategies and approaches for the production of lipids and/or polymers 

-Prior experience with LNP or polymeric delivery vehicles is preferable 

-Proficiency with the analytical and physicochemical characterization of novel materials (e.g. NMR, LC/MS, various separation technologies) 

-Proven track record of scientific excellence in terms of peer-reviewed publications, patents, and conference presentations 

-Demonstrated ability to work in teams with diverse backgrounds within a lab environment

-Proven ability to learn new concepts and laboratory techniques

-Strong understanding of experimental design and motivation to learn new skills

-Strong communication skills

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Benefits:

-Generous compensation packages

-Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision

-No state income tax (if applicable)

-Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs

-Grant in Aid waives the non-resident fee for the employee and their eligible dependents at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools

-Personal and professional development opportunities

-Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost