Postdoctoral Scholar

Department Overview

The Wang and Gibbs Laboratories in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry to develop new fluorophores and molecular probes for precision surgery, early disease detection and quantitative molecular imaging.

Our team develops molecular imaging technologies that provide critical clinical information about both diseased and normal tissues. Current projects include near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) probes for fluorescence guided surgery, including technologies that highlight tumors and critical structures such as nerves to improve surgical decision making and preservation of function. We are also developing mutation-selective NIR small molecule probes for imaging oncogenic proteins, as well as NIR fluorophores for noninvasive retinal imaging of biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

A complementary area of research focuses on new fluorophores, linker chemistry, bioconjugation strategies and bioorthogonal reactions for quantitative molecular imaging. These efforts include technologies that provide controlled labeling stoichiometry and improved reproducibility for multiplexed immunofluorescence imaging of cells and tissues.

The Gibbs and Wang Laboratories are well supported by NIH and foundation funding and provide a collaborative environment for developing fluorescence imaging technologies with applications in surgery, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and quantitative pathology.

Function/Duties of Position

• Design, synthesis, purification and characterization of novel fluorophores and molecular probes for fluorescence guided surgery, molecular disease detection and quantitative imaging. Conduct structure-property and structure-activity studies to guide optimization of optical properties, targeting, stability and biological performance.
• Work with biologists, engineers and clinicians to evaluate promising probes through in vitro and in vivo studies, analyze and interpret experimental data, and use these findings to guide subsequent molecular design and optimization.
• Participate in laboratory and project meetings and contribute to manuscripts, figures, data analysis and applications for research funding as appropriate.
• Present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings and contribute to dissemination of research through publications and other scholarly activities.
• Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to graduate students, undergraduate researchers and other trainees working on related projects, as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field with substantial training in synthetic organic chemistry.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience with fluorophore or dye chemistry, bioconjugation, bioorthogonal chemistry, structure-property studies, or molecular imaging.

• Strong experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multistep small-molecule synthesis, purification and characterization.

• Must have strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and the ability to independently design, execute and troubleshoot multistep synthetic routes.

• Must be skilled in purification, characterization and interpretation of experimental data, with careful attention to experimental documentation and reproducibility.

• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research team.

• Experience with fluorophore chemistry, bioconjugation, bioorthogonal chemistry or molecular imaging is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training or dissertation research focused on fluorophore chemistry or medicinal chemistry.

Additional Details

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for references. 

This position is located RLSB on OHSU’s south waterfront campus; work hours are 8am – 5pm with occasional evening and weekend work as needed, however, evening and weekend work will be necessary on occasion to meet project deadlines.  Special working conditions or hours are possible by advanced discussion and explicit approval by Drs. Summer Gibbs and/or Lei Wang.

Benefits 

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]