Postdoctoral Research Associate - Nasally-Inhaled Aerosols

The Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department of the College of Engineering seeks culturally and professionally diverse candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Nasally-Inhaled Aerosols position. Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to diversity and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences

Position Responsibilities:

The Respiratory Aerosol Research and Educational (RARE) Laboratory directed by Dr. Laleh Golshahi in College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, has a postdoctoral position available in the area of nasal drug delivery. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop and expand upon a diversified technical skill set while making a positive contribution to the growing multidisciplinary field of nasally-inhaled pharmaceutical aerosols, with applications expanding to treat neurological disorders in addition to locally-acting drugs. Several studies are currently active that can be accelerated by an enthusiastic and goal-oriented postdoc. Golshahi’s group offers a unique environment to learn and grow. Our alumni have all been successful in achieving their career goals. This position in our team offers an outstanding intellectual environment to work and collaborate with a network of internationally-known scientists and engineers. Research projects for the U.S. FDA will involve image processing, developing biorelevant nasal models, aerosol characterization, high performance liquid chromatography, statistical analysis and correlation development. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in aerosol science.

Required Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
- Experience in designing and setting up experiments preferably in the field of aerosols
- Experience in handling large data sets and data analysis
- Demonstrated ability to follow experimental protocols and learn techniques in a short time.
- Ability to mentor junior team members, and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety
- Excellent oral and written communication skills particularly technical writing
- Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
-Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times
-The College of Engineering supports a diverse faculty , staff, and student environment. The candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment

Preferred Qualifications:

-Demonstrated ability to perform spray plume characterization. Training will be provided.
-Demonstrated ability to quantify active pharmaceutical ingredients using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography.
-Demonstrated ability to work with stereolithography and computer aided design software.

About the College of Engineering:

The College of Engineering’s mission is to create and grow a diverse community of exceptional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry partners that strive to create a common future for all where innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions to global engineering challenges are realized for the benefit of this generation and future generations. Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/mechanical/ .