A postdoctoral research position is available immediately in the Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering at the US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC (http://www.nrl.navy.mil/). Ongoing projects are at the intersection of nanoscience/nanomaterials, cell and molecular biology, and biophysics and are aimed at the development of novel, functional bio/nanomaterials for the controlled modulation of cellular function. 

The successful candidate will possess a multidisciplinary skill set including proficiency in the following: culture of mammalian cell lines and primary cells (neuronal cell and inducible pluripotent stem cell culture experience is desired but not required), quantitative cellular imaging, confocal fluorescence microscopy, molecular and cellular biology, and biophysics.  Our laboratory utilizes various nanomaterials (quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, liposomes), molecular biology, bioconjugation protein and peptide engineering, FRET and cell biology to understand how to implement functional nanobioconjugates at the biotic/abiotic interface for the purposes of cellular labeling, imaging, sensing, and control of cellular function. This position presents an opportunity to work with a highly interdisciplinary group to create new types of nanomaterial-based sensors and actuators. 

Required skills: mammalian cell culture and working knowledge of mammalian cell biology, working understanding and familiarity with nanoparticle systems (quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, liposomes), uv-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence-based assays, bioconjugation, molecular biology and recombinant protein expression,  confocal fluorescence microscopy (spectral and lifetime imaging; Nikon A1R platform preferred), strong writing/presentation/proposal skills. 

Desired but not required skills: working knowledge of FRET-based assays, liposome synthesis and purification. 

Current projects include the development and characterization of functional nanomaterials for: 1-the controlled reprogramming/augmentation of cellular physiology (oxygen utilization, energy production, pathogen protection) and 2-the augmentation of water transport in human astrocytes (the functional unit of the mammalian glymphatic system), and 3-advanced wound healing and tissue regeneration.