The Steinmetz Lab at the University of California, San Diego focuses on the development of plant virus-based nanotechnologies for applications targeting human health. Nanoscale engineering is revolutionizing the way we prevent, detect and treat diseases. Viruses are playing a special role in these developments because they can function as prefabricated nanoparticles naturally evolved to deliver cargos to cells and tissues. We have developed a library of plant virus-based nanoparticles and through structure-function studies we are beginning to understand how to tailor these materials appropriately for biomedical applications. Through synthetic/chemical biology, we have developed virus-based delivery system carrying contrast agent and/or therapeutic cargo enabling molecular imaging and therapeutic applications targeting cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

　　We value team science, interdisciplinary research and collaboration within our lab, across the university, and with researchers across the world. More information about us can be found at www.steinmetzlab.com.

　　Description of the Position:

　　We are seeking to fill two postdoctoral positions in nanomedicine research focusing on the development and testing of imaging and drug delivery approaches targeting cancer and cardiovascular disease. These research project is funded through a grant from the American Cancer Society as well as the National Institute of Health. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to

　　•develop plant virus-based drug delivery systems targeting triple negative breast cancer; or

　　•develop plant virus-based contrast agents and therapeutics targeting cardiovascular disease.

　　The approach will include protein and plant virus nanoparticle expression in plants, genetic engineering and chemical bioconjugation of plant virus nanoparticles to impart new functionalities, i.e. tissue-specificity, imaging and therapy. Plant virus-based nanoparticle formulations will be evaluated in tissue culture as well as in vivo and ex vivo models of triple negative breast cancer or cardiovascular disease.

　　The candidates are expected to prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts and attend scientific conferences. The candidate is also encouraged to prepare fellowship applications. The candidate will receive mentoring to prepare him/her for future careers in academia or industry, including project management skills, proposal writing and effective scientific communication.

　　Qualifications Required and Preferred Academic Background:

　　The ideal candidate should demonstrate creativity, passion for scientific inquiry, and an ability to link fundamental science to real-world applications. The ideal candidate will also have:

　　•a PhD degree in biomedical/chemical engineering, pharmacology, chemistry, biology, nanotechnology, or related disciplines. Prior post-doc experience is not required and not desired.

　　•experience in molecular cloning, bioconjugate chemistry, protein engineering, nanotechnology, tissue culture, animal models, fluorescence imaging techniques, or drug delivery 。

為防止簡歷投遞丟失請抄送一份至：boshijob@126.com（郵件標(biāo)題格式：應(yīng)聘職位名稱+姓名+學(xué)歷+專業(yè)+中國博士人才網(wǎng)）