K231601
Mentor: Dr. Juhi Samal, Department of Biomedical Engineering
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in Samal Lab
The Samal Lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alabama, Birmingham is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral researcher in the broad areas of tissue engineering, functionalized biomaterials, glycomics, and neurological disorders. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop and expand upon a diversified skill set while making a positive contribution to unraveling the mechanism of tuning tissue glycosylation to promote brain repair in neurological disorders using functionalized biomaterials.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for conducting and managing a project aimed at developing glycan-functionalized biomaterials to promote pro-repair responses in central nervous system disorders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in polymer synthesis, microfluidic techniques, cell culture and tissue engineering techniques. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in polymer synthesis and characterization, microfluidics, nanoparticle synthesis, 3D cell culture (hydrogel-based), confocal experience, and standard tissue engineering analysis techniques such as immunostaining, ELISAs, and mechanical analysis. Additional responsibilities will include oversight of graduate and undergraduate students, collaborating with different research groups, and scientific writing. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in an interdisciplinary team and will be directly mentored by Dr. Juhi Samal. For more information about the Samal Lab, please visit our website (https://glycans4regeneration.com/)
Job Requirements:
REQUIRED:
-Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biomaterials or an equivalent field with experience in cell culture and tissue engineering techniques
-Experience with polymer synthesis techniques or microfluidic system for hydrogel development and handling is highly desirable
-Experience in primarily mammalian and human cell harvest and culture - Experience in 3D cell culture - Experience in cell and tissue based analysis techniques, such as ELISAs, immunostaining, confocal/SHG microscopy, and mechanical testing
-Ability to mentor junior team members, and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety
-Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
-Strong previously demonstrated ability for grant writing, maintaining research plans and meeting deadlines
-Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated publication record
Application Instructions
Submit a single PDF file named "LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_G4R.pdf" containing a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. The cover letter should address each point of the qualifications list explicitly. OPTIONAL: DOIs for three recent and relevant publications can be included at the end of the packet. Questions can be directed to Prof. Juhi Samal at
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.