Postdoctoral Fellow - Interventional Radiology Research (Melancon Lab)

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Department of Interventional Radiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston. Our research focuses on developing targeted imaging and therapeutic agents for personalized oncologic and vascular therapy. We're particularly interested in advanced imaging techniques and novel agents to noninvasively monitor and treat cellular processes, enabling improved diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer and vascular diseases. In the field of vascular and interventional radiology, our research directly contributes to the development of next-generation vascular grafts and perivascular devices, enhancing their precision and effectiveness.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The main goal of our research is to develop biodegradable medical devices made up of polymeric scaffolds that contain therapeutic agents and nanoparticle imaging probes to enhance various therapeutic interventions while at the same time, noninvasively monitoring the integrity of the absorbable medical device. The postdoctoral fellow will focus on the development and optimization of these biodegradable medical devices. This involves a systematic study of various polymers to create devices that incorporate drugs, mesenchymal stem cells, and nanoparticle imaging probes. The research will directly contribute to enhancing therapeutic interventions and enable noninvasive monitoring of the device's integrity. The expected learning outcomes include gaining expertise in biomaterial design, nanoparticle synthesis, and the application of these technologies to advance vascular projects, such as the development of innovative vascular grafts and perivascular devices.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Highly motivated candidates with a recent Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Materials Science, Molecular Medicine, or one of the basic sciences are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should have strong laboratory skills in the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles, medical device development, vascular surgery, and imaging. The successful candidate will have a track record as a successful PhD candidate and have at least two first-authored publications in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals in one or more of the following areas: polymer science, synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology, drug delivery, and imaging. Prior experience in nanoparticle or polymer synthesis and characterization, and experience in performing cell culture, animal surgery, and animal imaging is highly desirable. The qualified candidates are expected to work independently and as part of a team, be self-motivated, have critical thinking abilities, and have good written and oral communication skills.

POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 . depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. MD Anderson trainee compensation also includes:

Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week
Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
Paid education, vacation, and sick leave
Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
Employer-paid life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
Fertility benefits
State of Texas longevity pay
Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups

FACULTY MENTOR
Marites Melancon, PHD