The College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

This position works in the laboratory of Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD to support research projects that span from pre-clinical to clinical research.  Current research projects in the group include the pre-clinical evaluation of natural products for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity, pre-clinical pharmacokinetics, pre-clinical animal models, clinical pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics. 

The primary responsible of the post-doctoral fellow will develop assays to analyze the pharmacokinetic properties of natural products and FDA approved chemotherapy agents. The candidate will support the preclinical pharmacokinetics objectives of research group, operating in part under Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) guidelines. The candidate will propose, design, execute/supervise, and communicate the results of experiments to evaluate small molecules/chemical entities in biological specimens (e.g. plasma, tissue) using highly specialized knowledge of state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies.  The candidate is expected to be able to troubleshoot and develop assays independently. Experience of the candidate should be document by previous achievements (e.g. publications, presentations).

A secondary responsibility of the candidate will be to support additional research projects in the laboratory that may include cell free assays, cell based assays, molecular techniques, and animal models.  Mechanistic studies will be performed using cell free and cell based assays in combination with immunoblot, qPCR, immunofluorescence and related experiments.  Molecular techniques may include the development of novel plasmid gene constructs, introduction of polymorphisms to gene constructs, siRNA, sequencing.  Animal models in the laboratory include single/multi-dose pharmacokinetics, DSS colitis model, xenograft, and transgenic animal models. 

The College of Pharmacy at UIC, with campuses in Chicago and Rockford, is the #1 college of pharmacy in the state of Illinois and the #7 college in the US by US News & World Report. More information about the College and Department of Pharmacy Practice can be found at https://pharmacy.uic.edu and https://dpp.pharmacy.uic.edu

• Work within interdisciplinary research teams to apply various LC-MS/MS technologies to support ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) and PK (pharmacokinetics) studies
• Successfully perform LC-MS/MS assay development as required to enable the pharmacokinetic characterization of promising chemical entities. These assays may include but are not limited to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), precursor ion scans, neutral loss scans, standard curve preparation, optimization of internal standards, analyte stability studies, and the assessment of other critical drug parameters or properties.
• The candidate is expected to support the molecular, mechanistic, and animal experiments in the research group in collaboration with other research staff/students.
• Collaborate with Principle Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
• Formulate and conduct scientific experiments and analyses. Performs complex data collection and laboratory techniques. Analyze and evaluate test and research results.
• Replicate, refine and add new research approaches based on project needs. Test, customize and implement new methods, procedures and techniques.
• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive experimental protocols.
• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive final reports of completed projects
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis. Propose and implement changes as needed.

Communication

• Contribute material, prepare results and assist in the writing of research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
• Assist principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.

Staff Management

• Guide, train and advise post-doctoral fellows and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• PhD with training consistent with analytical chemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline. 
• A minimum of 1-2 years research experience in pharmacokinetic assay development.
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position closes. Applications may only be submitted via the university’s online application system.

For fullest consideration, submit complete application materials by June 11, 2021. Applications must include all the following: letter of intent and curriculum vitae. Names and contact information of three references must be entered directly into the online application.