Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Drug Preformulation, Repurposing and Delivery (D-PReD) research laboratory at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. K. Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona seeks a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in prostate cancer biology, prostate cancer organoids and/or murine models to evaluate prostate cancer therapeutics. The person selected for this position will facilitate DoW funded project on the development of targeted PIM Kinase inhibitor PROTACs and their nanomedicines and also assist the Principal Investigator, Dr. Abhijit Date, in developing new prostate cancer therapeutics.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Collaborates with chemists, polymer chemists, and drug delivery scientists in the group to facilitate the evaluation of small molecules, PROTACs, and nanomedicines in human and murine prostate cancer cell cultures (e.g., PC3, DU145, LNCaP, 22Rv1).
• Validates target protein degradation and evaluates cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of targeted cancer nanomedicines using appropriate techniques such as Western blotting, qPCR, IHC, flow cytometry, and proteomics.
• Evaluates the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of targeted conjugate nanomedicines using various techniques, including fluorescence imaging.
• Maintains mouse colonies, performs tumor implantations, and evaluates the efficacy of targeted conjugates and nanomedicines in subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models of prostate cancer.
• Participates in ongoing collaborative projects.
• Analyzes and interprets generated data, works with the Principal Investigator (PI) to determine next steps based on experimental results, and writes manuscripts and progress reports.
• Provides technical resources and problem-solving support for graduate students and undergraduate researchers.
• Writes manuscripts and progress reports.
• Manages laboratory operations, including biosafety, chemical safety, instrument operation, and animal protocol approvals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of androgen receptor (AR/AR-V7) biology and ubiquitin-proteasome system mechanics.
• Knowledge of profiling target degradation using various molecular biology techniques/proteomics.
• Knowledge of androgen receptor (AR) signaling and resistance mechanism.
• Knowledge of scientific writing to prepare manuscripts and reports. Understanding of pharmaceutical science.
• Professional communication skills, including written and oral.
• General computer skills using numerous software programs including, Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Proficiency in drug administration routes: tail vein (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), and oral gavage and experience with in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging (e.g., IVIS) to track metastasis.

• PhD from an accredited college or university in Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Bioengineering or a related field.

• Extensive experience in administration of therapeutics through various drug administration routes: tail vein (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), and oral gavage.
• Experience with in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging (e.g., IVIS) studies.
  
• Extensive experience in various molecular biology techniques such as western bloting, qPCR, IHC, flow cytometry and proteomics.
• Prior experience in the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of PSMA-targeted therapeutics and nanomedicines.
  
• Hands-on experience with subcutaneous/orthotopic, mouse models of prostate cancer.