Postdoctoral Associate (Sharma lab)

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Day Evening (United States of America)

Location

Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center

Job Description

The Sharma Research Group (Northwestern University/Lurie Children’s Hospital; https://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sharma/index.html) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop regenerative engineering strategies for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urological disease states. This position is a one-year term-limited position funded by a grant with the expectation of renewal beyond the initial appointment period with satisfactory performance.
 

Job Duties:

• Provide researchers as requested with technical assistance. 
• Performs job functions adhering to principals of innovation, academic excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality research effort to our Institution, co-workers and others.
• Genetic studies, molecular biology Redcap/ Imaging software, gene chip arrays and others.
• Analyzing data.
• Preparing data for presentations, grants and publications.
• Help write grant proposals and progress reports related to research projects.  
• Participate in regular lab meetings, journal clubs, and research seminars.  
• The ability to culture cells, fabricate human organoids containing multiple cell types, and experience with organoid characterization techniques (cell viability, metabolic assays, RNA-seq, post-translational modification characterizations, and confocal imaging with quantification).
• Expertise with deriving, isolating, culturing and evaluating novel pluripotent and multipotent stem and progenitor cells derived from a diverse group of tissues.
• Expertise with regards to quantitative morphometry derived from IHC/IF tissue staining.
• Nanomolecule design, synthesis, characterization (WAXS, SAXS, CD, HPLC, LC-MS/MS; in vitro and in vivo assessments) as demonstrated by lab publications.
• Small molecule identification via library screens; subsequent in vitro and in vivo testing directly relevant for the promotion of tissue regeneration and inflammation modulation
• Expertise with: 1) polymeric biomaterial fabrication and characterization (mechanical testing, IR, NMR) with in vivo applications, 2) 3D programming/printing ability with in vivo applications, 3) small and large animal handling, surgery, and maintenance.
• Strong statistical/data analysis background and expertise with statistical analyses software (R, Python, MATLAB, SAS)
• The ability to multi-task amongst multiple projects with local, domestic and international collaborators.
• Collect and analyze data, including periodical/literature search and utilizing specialized skills in related field to analyze the collected data.
• Superior oral and written communication skills are essential for this position. Will participate/assist in grant writing for federal PAs (NIH, DoD) and manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations at annual meetings.
• Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies as needed and overseeing junior personnel (graduate and undergraduate students)
• Knowledge of specific modeling techniques such as differential equations modeling,
• Agent-based modeling, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling a plus as well as any machine learning skills.
• Familiarity with soft, conformal bioelectronics.
• Other job functions as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ph. D. or MD in Medical or Biological Science Program.
• Knowledge in Computer programs, word, excel and power point presentations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Organizational skills:  Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes in stressful situations. 

Education

PhD: Biology

Pay Range

$46,280.00-$75,670.40 Salary

At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.  

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers.  We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: candidatesupport@luriechildrens.org