Positions Available

Postdoc Positions in Biomaterials and Drug Delivery
The Chao Zhao Laboratory (zhaolab.ua.edu) of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Alabama is seeking two highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral candidates who have a solid background either in polymer, drug delivery, nanomedicine, organic chemistry, pain treatment, and/or tissue engineering. The successful applicants will be responsible for the study of alternative strategies and therapies for pain management. This is a highly collaborative project involving three laboratories at the University of Alabama (Chao Zhao lab), University of California San Diego (Tony Yaksh lab), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Ursula Wesselmann lab). Postdoctoral candidates will primarily work at the University of Alabama and will spend 3-6 months at UC San Diego for animal model training. The Zhao Lab is dedicated to polymeric biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering, with a particular focus on the application of tetrodotoxin in pain treatment.  

Qualifications
(1) Ph.D./M.D. with a background in polymer, drug delivery, nanomedicine, organic chemistry, and/or tissue engineering.
(2) Individuals with experience in pain treatment will be given preference.
(3) Experience in animal models is preferred, but not necessary.
(4) Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English with good organizational and analytical abilities.
(5) Motivated to pursue postdoctoral training required for a future independent academic career.

Interested applicants should apply directly to Dr. Chao Zhao by sending a cover letter, C.V., and contact information for three references to czhao15@eng.ua.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and the anticipated start date is in spring, 2022.

Ph.D. Positions in Polymer and Biomaterials
The Zhao Lab (zhaolab.ua.edu) of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Alabama is seeking two Ph.D. students. The student will work within one of the following study areas:
Polymer position:
(1) Structure-property-function relationships in polymers;
(2) Dispersion, phase separation, and self-assembly of polymers;
(3) Biodegradable polymers;
(4) Responsive polymers.

Biomaterial position:
(1) Drug delivery systems for pain management;
(2) New strategies to obtain encapsulation and controlled release of water-soluble molecules;
(3) Scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

General requirement
(1)  CV, transcript, TOEFL with a minimum score of 79 or above;
(2) GPA of 3.0 or above;
(3) GRE is optional;
(4) Self-motivated, pro-activated, and positive attitude.

Scholarship
       $24,000 to 28,000/year + tuition + health insurance

Contact
Please submit your pre-application package to Dr. Chao Zhao (czhao15@eng.ua.edu) that includes a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Review of applications will begin immediately and the anticipated start date is in Aug., 2022.