Postdoctoral Research Associate - Wang Group

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute of Materials Science seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on an NIH-funded project about bio-electronic tissue interface. The Institute of Materials Science is an interdisciplinary institute at the University of Connecticut with a threefold mission fostering education, research, and outreach in all areas of the materials sciences. The project will be carried out at the University of Connecticut under the supervision of Dr. Xueju “Sophie” Wang and Dr. Yi Zhang.

Dr. Xueju “Sophie” Wang is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Connecticut. She obtained her Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and did her postdoc with Prof. John A. Rogers at Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics and Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. Her current research group focuses on soft active materials and bioelectronics/biosensors for applications from soft robotics to biomedical devices that can interface with biological tissues for disease prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. She is the recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, NIH Trailblazer Award, Office of Naval Research (ONR) Young Investigator Award, EML Young Investigator Award, ACS PMSE Young Investigator Award, and the ASME ORR Early Career Award.

Dr. Yi Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Connecticut. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and did his postdoc with Prof. John A. Rogers at Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics and Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. His current research group focuses on bioelectronics and biosensors for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The recent work from his group has been published in Science Advances, Nature Chemical Biology, Angew Chemie (2), Nano Letters, Analytical Chemistry, and ACS Sensors. His awards and honors include the 2019 BMES Career Development Award, the 2023 NSF CAREER Award, and the 2023 UConn-AAUP Research Excellence Award–Early Career.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public research university in Storrs, Connecticut. Founded in 1881, the primary campus is in Storrs, Connecticut, approximately a half-hour's drive from Hartford and 90 minutes from Boston. It is a flagship university that is ranked as the 58th best national university in the 2024 U.S News and World Reports.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Perform research on the design, fabrication, and testing of bioelectronic sensors/microfluidics to interface with biological tissues.

• Participate in meetings with collaborators and present research progress.

• Write papers and annual reports.

• Perform related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Biomedical/Bioengineering/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related area.

• Research experiences or background in one or more of the following research areas: biophysical or biochemical sensors; microfluidics; cell culture and organoids.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the design, fabrication, and testing of bioelectronic sensors to interface with biological tissues.

• Experience with the culture and investigation of brain organoids.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position is full-time with an annual salary commensurate with experience and based on NIH guidelines. The target start date of this position is January 1, 2024, and the initial appointment will be for one year. This appointment is potentially renewable contingent upon performance and funding. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498016 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will be ongoing and continue until the position is filled. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.