Sr Associate Scientist

Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine is searching for an Sr. Associate Scientist!

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
Full medical, dental, vision coverage
Paid time off
9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
3 Personal Days
Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD-level Associate Scientist to join our NIH-funded research team. This position sits at the vital intersection of neuropharmacology, bioengineering, and neuroimmunology. Our program focuses on developing innovative targeted nanomedicines (specifically mRNA/siRNA-loaded LNPs) to modulate the neuroinflammatory response and signal transduction pathways in neurological disorders, with primary emphasis on ischemic stroke.

Job Details:
* This is a grant funded position

Required Education and Experience:
* Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related field and at least 5 years of Postdoctoral experience

Required Skills and Abilities:
* Pharmacological Insight: Strong understanding of molecular pharmacology, drug delivery kinetics, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., NLRP3 inflammasome, cytokine networks).
* Analytical Excellence: Experience with flow cytometry analysis (preferred) and longitudinal neurobehavioral assessments.
* Surgical Mastery (Critical): Substantial experience and strong proficiency in rodent stroke models (tMCAO/pMCAO), including stereotaxic injections.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:
* Neuroimmunological Profiling: Design and execute experiments to characterize post-stroke immune responses, focusing on microglial polarization, leukocyte infiltration, and cytokine signaling using multi-color flow cytometry (transcriptomics is a plus).
* Targeted Nanomedicine Evaluation: Formulate and optimize targeted LNPs for mRNA/siRNA delivery across the BBB.

Essential Duties:
* Expert Stroke Surgery: Lead the in vivo arm by performing complex microsurgeries, including intraluminal transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (tMCAO), permanent MCAO, and embolic models (e-MCAO) in mice.
* Nano-Bioengineering: Formulate, characterize, and optimize Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs). Assess their ability to bypass the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and achieve target engagement with specific neuroimmune cell populations (microglia/astrocytes).
* Neuroimmunological Profiling: Quantify the immune landscape using multi-color flow cytometry and histological analysis (RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics a plus).
* Surgical Mastery (Critical): Substantial experience and strong proficiency in rodent stroke models (tMCAO/pMCAO), including stereotaxic injections.
* Neuroimmunological Profiling: Design and execute experiments to characterize post-stroke immune responses, focusing on microglial polarization, leukocyte infiltration, and cytokine signaling using multi-color flow cytometry (transcriptomics is a plus).
* Targeted Nanomedicine Evaluation: Formulate and optimize targeted LNPs for mRNA/siRNA delivery across the BBB.
* BBB & Target Engagement: Perform and analyze assays to assess BBB integrity and target engagement (e.g., immunostaining, flow cytometry).
* Experimental Design & Analysis: Independently manage longitudinal studies, integrating behavioral recovery assessments (e.g., mNSS, CatWalk, adhesive removal) with molecular endpoints. Experience with Prism for statistical modeling preferred.
* Mentorship: Act as technical lead and advisor for laboratory staff on microsurgical techniques and neuroimmunological assays.
* Write papers and collaborate in writing grants.
Technical Environment
* In Vivo: Advanced microsurgery, behavioral kinematics, biodistribution assays (radioisotopes/fluorescence).
* Collaboration: Act as technical lead and mentor for laboratory staff, ensuring high standards in surgical and pharmacological protocols. Leverage Temple's vibrant Neurosciences Center and clinical stroke ecosystem for interdisciplinary synergies.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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