Post Doctoral Associate

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

New York University Tandon School of Engineering

The Pinkerton Research Group at NYU Tandon School of Engineering is seeking to hire a Post Doctoral Associate to work on three interdisciplinary and collaborative projects focusing on developing polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of (1) chronic pain, (2) cancer pain and (3) deep vein thrombosis. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher with deep expertise in synthetic polymer chemistry to lead polymer synthesis and characterization efforts across these projects. The successful candidate will play a central intellectual and technical role in developing synthetic strategies, designing and preparing tailored block copolymers, and understanding relationships between polymer molecular structure and nanoparticle properties. While nanoparticle formulation and characterization will primarily be conducted by graduate students, the postdoctoral associate will have opportunities to participate in these activities and contribute to their scientific direction. The ideal candidate will be technically accomplished, intellectually curious, scientifically independent, and committed to advancing the broader research goals of the laboratory. They will work closely with graduate students and external collaborators, contribute to scientific strategy and problem-solving, lead manuscript preparation, and serve as a mentor and technical resource for junior researchers.

New York University (NYU) is one of the top private universities in the United States, and the Tandon School of Engineering, located in Brooklyn, NY, is deeply committed to excellence in teaching and learning. Tandon fosters student and faculty innovation and entrepreneurship that make a difference in the world. The Pinkerton Research Group at NYU Tandon develops responsive, nanostructured soft materials for biomedical applications, integrating chemical and materials engineering, nanotechnology, chemistry, and biology to advance drug delivery, medical imaging, and scalable nanoparticle manufacturing. The lab is part of NYU Tandon’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, a highly interdisciplinary research community addressing major challenges in human health, advanced materials, and sustainable engineering.

Responsibilities

Candidates will be responsible for:

• Leading a polymer synthesis and characterization efforts across three interdisciplinary research projects, taking intellectual ownership of research progress and outcomes.

• Independently design, synthesize, and characterize block copolymers using living/controlled and condensation polymerization techniques, including developing synthetic strategies, troubleshooting challenges, and optimizing methods.

• Collaborating with group members and external partners on polymer design, nanoparticle formulation, and broader research objectives.

• Lead report and manuscript preparation and communicate research findings through publications and presentations.

• Mentoring junior researchers, providing technical guidance, and fostering a collaborative, productive, and professional laboratory environment.

• Maintaining rigorous experimental practices, accurate documentation, and high standards of laboratory safety.

Salary range

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $65,000 - $68,000 depending on the candidate’s experience and qualification.

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on synthetic polymer chemistry.

• Demonstrated expertise in the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of polymers, particularly block copolymers (di- and tri-), using both living/controlled polymerization techniques (ATRP, RAFT, ROP) and condensation polymerization methods.

• Extensive hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC/GPC)

• Strong synthetic problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently design experiments, optimize reaction conditions, troubleshoot challenging syntheses, and develop alternative synthetic strategies when needed.

• A demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, and strong scientific writing skills. The successful candidate will be expected to take a leading role in preparing manuscripts and communicating research findings.

• A high degree of self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and scientific independence, with the ability to identify research challenges, propose solutions, and advance projects with minimal day-to-day supervision.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to balance competing priorities and contribute effectively to multiple research projects.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work professionally and productively with other researchers, interdisciplinary collaborators, and project partners.

• A willingness to serve as a technical resource, mentor, and positive role model for graduate students and junior researchers, contributing to a supportive, productive, and intellectually engaged laboratory environment.

• A commitment to rigorous experimental documentation, reproducibility, laboratory safety, and the highest standards of scientific integrity.

• Prior nanoparticle experience is not required.

Applicants should submit, as one pdf, the following information:

• an up-to-date CV that includes a complete list of publications,

• a research statement that describes their interest and goals and how their research relates to this position,

• copies of up to three relevant scientific papers,

• names and contact information for three references

All application materials should be submitted electronically via Interfolio and to: [email protected]

Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and will continue until the position is filled.

The anticipate Expected start date of this position is is 01/04/27 with an expected end date of e xpected end date is 01/03/28.

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