Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

Job Description:

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas is looking to fill a full-time, benefits eligible Postdoctoral Researcher position within the Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center with the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department. The Postdoctoral Researcher would be responsible for designing and executing experiments, writing reports and papers, assisting other center members with experiments and routine lab management.


The University of Kansas offers great benefits to employees such as paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, retirement, medical and dental insurance and much more. KU offers tuition assistance for employees and their dependents as well as many professional development opportunities.Job Description50% - Designing and Execution of Experiments

• These duties include carrying out original research relative to the mission of the center. The center is focused on the development of analysis and formulation development of biopharmaceutical and vaccine candidates. The successful applicant will perform experiments, both individually and in a team environment, that pertain to current research topics in the center including analytical characterization, stabilization, formulation, and delivery of a wide variety of biopharmaceutical drug and vaccine candidates including peptides, proteins, mRNA, polysaccharide-protein conjugates, virus-like particles, as well as live attenuated viruses and bacterial cells.

20% - Write Reports and Papers

• These duties include writing technical reports for collaborators, analytical procedures for new candidates using center laboratory equipment, and scientific papers for peer reviewed journals.

15% - Assist Other Center Members with Experiments

• Trains other staff in the use of specialized equipment as well as coordinate the maintenance of laboratory equipment. Equipment includes biophysical methods (e.g., CD, fluorescence, FT-IR, light scattering calorimetric), biochemical techniques (e.g., HPLC, gel and capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS) and potency assays (e.g., ELISAs, PCR and cell-based transfection and viral infectivity).

15% Laboratory Management

• These duties include ensuring systems are in place (including required training) for lab safety and management of laboratory records, documents, and data.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD degree in pharmaceutics, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, cell or molecular biology or related fields.


2. Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials and publications.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Working knowledge of experimental techniques for primary structure analysis (e.g., LC-MS and peptide mapping), higher-order structural stability (e.g., CD, Fluorescence, FT-IR, DSC) and size/aggregation (e.g., light scattering, HPLC, gel and capillary electrophoresis.


2. Knowledge of virology, immunology, cell and molecular biology.


3. Knowledge of vaccine formulation development including adjuvants and/or lyophilization.


4. Publications in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, virology and/or cell biology.


5. Demonstrated ability to work successfully as part of a collaborative research effort with internal and external team members.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application includes an online application, cover letter, resume highlighting pertinent experience relative to the required and preferred qualifications and contact information for three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered.


Application review will begin on February 13, 2024 and continue until a qualified applicant has been selected. To ensure first consideration, apply by February 12, 2024.
Contact Information to ApplicantsEmily Dykes
edykes@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Rangeminimum 55,000.00 commensurate with qualifications and experienceWork Schedule40 hours a weekApplication Review BeginsTuesday February 13, 2024Anticipated Start DateFriday March 1, 2024Apply to Job

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