Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Liver Imaging
Wang Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Employer Description:
PI: Thomas D Wang, MD,PhD, University of Michigan
Project goal is to modify the surface of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with peptide ligands highly specific for liver cancer for use as a targeted MRI contrast agent.
Post-doctoral research opportunities are available in the Wang Lab at the University of Michigan to join a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team to accelerate clinical translation of a nanotechnology-based diagnostic MR imaging agent. The surface of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles will be modified with a panel of peptide ligands to form a targeted multimer nanoprobe to distinguish indeterminant liver nodules. Single cell RNAseq analysis will be performed to identify cancer specific tissue targets to improve detection performance. Lead monomer peptides will be selected using phage display methods, and optimized using structural models. The nanoparticle surface will be modified with a panel of cancer specific peptides. The optimal peptide density will be identified, and MR relaxivity will be maximized. The nanoprobe properties will be characterized, and cytotoxicity will be assessed. Specific nanoprobes uptake by tumor, biodistribution, and clearance will be evaluated in vivo in a small and large animal pre-clinical model using MR imaging.
Requirements: Candidates with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, nanotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, or a related discipline with hands-on experience in small animal imaging and pre-clinical models are invited to apply. Hands-on experience with small animal surgery is desirable. International investigators are welcome. Skills to be mastered in this project include the following:
· Perform image-guided surgery in small animals.
· Identify tumors using ultrasound imaging.
· Detect tumors using MR imaging.
· Characterize nanoprobe pharmacokinetics.
· Characterize nanoprobe biodistribution.
· Use brightfield and confocal microscopes.
· Apply immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
· Self-motivated with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Research environment: The University of Michigan is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment, and is an ideal training ground for postdocs who want to further develop their skills in pursuit of a career in academia or industry. Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and in compliance with NIH guidelines.
The Wang Laboratory is located in the Biomedical Science Research Building (BSRB) on the University of Michigan medical campus. The lab has use of a 7T horizontal bore MRI scanner that provides a broad range of image acquisition capabilities. Full physiological monitoring and respiratory/cardiac gating capabilities are available. Animals may be anesthetized using injectable drugs or with a reliable gas delivery system. Thermoregulation is accomplished via a heated circulating water bath. Radiofrequency volume and surface coils are available, accommodating samples of many sizes and geometries. A state-of-the-art 4-channel quadrature CryoProbe is also available for mouse imaging which provides approximately a 2.5x-improvement in signal-to-noise. Clinically translatable acquisition sequences can be selected by researchers to optimize tissue contrast for their studies. MRI technical expertise is provided to guide and assist researchers with selection of the optimal image acquisition approach and acquire images for their individual research needs. Data analysis is performed using custom-developed software, commercial software, and software obtained from other research MRI centers. The Michigan Biointerfaces Institute offers state-of-the-art instruments to characterize nanomaterials, including nanoparticle size analysis and zeta potential characterization, chiral spectroscopy, material pore size and porosity, thermal analysis, biomolecular thermal binding events, structural and rheological characterization, 3D bioprinting, and microscopy imaging. The Michigan Center for Materials Characteriztion (MC)2 provides state-of-the-art instruments for nanoscale imaging and materials analysis, including transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), atomic force microscopes (AFMs), XPS systems, and 3D X-ray microscopes for crystallographic analysis.
Candidates should submit CV and contact information by email:
Thomas D. Wang, M.D.,Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
H. Marvin Pollard Collegiate Professor of Endoscopy Research
University of Michigan
109 Zina Pitcher Pl. BSRB 1522
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200
Email: tdwangmd@gmail.com