Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Drexel University – USA

Summary

The Deak Laboratory at Drexel University seeks a postdoctoral research fellow to lead NIH‑funded projects on immune tolerance engineering and therapeutic vaccination against HIV. The role involves designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments with biomaterials, liposomal and polymeric systems, and immune‑cell assays, as well as mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The position is full‑time, grant‑funded, with a salary range of $60,240‑$90,350 per year, and requires a PhD or equivalent doctorate and 5‑10 years of research experience in relevant fields. Applications close on 22 October 2026. Candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, brief research statement, and references.

Key Facts

Position Type	Full-Time
Research Area	Immune tolerance engineering and therapeutic vaccination
Degree Required	PhD or Doctorate
Experience	5-10 years of research experience
Salary	$60,240.00 – $90,350.00 per year
Funding	Grant-funded
Deadline	2026-10-22
Required Documents	CV/resume, cover letter, brief research statement (<1 page), contact information for references
Employer Address	University City Campus Suite 430 3201 Arch St Philadelphia, PA 19104
Employer Contact	Phone: 215.895.2850, Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The fellow will work on two NIH‑R01 projects that aim to engineer immune tolerance and develop therapeutic vaccines for HIV. The research integrates chemical synthesis of lipid and polymeric biomaterials, formulation of liposomal nanotraps, and detailed immunological studies of dendritic cell function, T‑cell responses, and in‑vivo immune outcomes. The goal is to create tolerogenic dendritic cells for durable antigen‑specific tolerance and to design liposomal vaccines that capture viral particles and direct them toward effective antigen presentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate NIH‑funded research activities
• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret biomaterials and immune‑cell experiments
• Prepare and characterize liposomal, lipid‑based, and polymeric systems
• Perform chemical synthesis and conjugation of biomaterial components
• Conduct immunological assays including cell culture, isolation, differentiation, and flow cytometry
• Coordinate experiments across students, collaborators, and project personnel
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design and techniques
• Assist with laboratory organization, ordering, inventory, and equipment maintenance
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant applications
• Promote rigorous experimental practices and documentation

Required Skills

• Research experience in immunology, bioengineering, or immunoengineering
• Experience with chemical synthesis, biomaterials, drug delivery, nanoparticles, or lipid‑based systems
• Strong experimental, analytical, and scientific communication abilities
• Organizational skills and attention to documentation and laboratory operations
• Leadership and laboratory‑management capabilities
• Ability to mentor students and coordinate research projects

Who Should Apply

Applicants who hold a PhD or equivalent doctorate in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, immunology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, or a closely related discipline, and who have 5‑10 years of research experience in immunology, bioengineering, or immunoengineering, are invited to apply. Candidates should possess experience with chemical synthesis, biomaterials, drug‑delivery systems, and strong experimental and communication skills, as well as the ability to mentor students and manage laboratory operations.

About the Employer

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that values diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds. The university emphasizes an inclusive and respectful environment that enriches the community and the educational and employment experience of its members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 22 October 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

Applicants must upload a CV/resume, cover letter, a brief research statement (<1 page), and contact information for references.

Is the position full‑time?

Yes, the position is full‑time.