University of Iowa

College of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Summary:

Dr. Nejadnik Laboratory at the University of Iowa is seeking a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral scholar, with training and expertise in the field of development and characterization of protein therapeutic products and biosimilars. The research projects provide opportunities to have major positive impacts on human medicine through collaborative studies with renowned national and international academic institutions and with FDA. The projects will, in particular, focus on characterization of biologic drug products, challenges with the assessment of biosimilarity and in a broader sense the investigation of stability of protein drug products. Experimental approaches and advanced analytics will be employed for the purpose of the project. It is a prominent role in our lab and provides ample opportunities for development of skills in experimental work, project management, and scientific writing, as well as for continuation of one’s career in pharmaceutical biotechnology, drug development and regulatory organizations.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Perform analytical and functional characterization and comparability studies of protein drug substances/products. Characterize protein formulations and investigate protein degradation, protein-material interaction and particle formation. Evaluate physical and biophysical properties of proteins relevant to drug development, manufacturing, supply and administration.

Maintain a strong awareness of current scientific literature, particularly in the area of protein characterization, biosimilars and actively apply new concepts and methods as appropriate.

Publish the research outcome in distinguished scientific journals and create presentations for outside scientific meetings and conferences

Work alongside PI in collaborative projects including direct interactions with internal/external co-investigators and lab members, and on preparation of research proposals

Develop and establish operating procedures for the common studies in the lab, optimize documentation procedures, and provide assistance and guidance to junior lab members in methodology and techniques.

Education requirements:

A Ph.D. in pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmaceutics, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field with extensive experience in characterization of protein products.

Excellence in the field by evidence of completed research projects and publications.

Strong background in some combination of the following areas: formulation of biologic drugs, biologic drug development, biosimilars, protein degradation, protein-material interaction, protein particle analysis, biophysical characterization.

Ability to work independently while being an integral part of a cooperative, interdisciplinary, and productive team.

In depth experience in the area of protein formulation/characterization and of biosimilars

Hands-on experience with some combination of the following: techniques used for characterization of biopharmaceutical products such as various spectroscopic methods (CD, FTIR, Raman, Fluorescence), higher order structure analysis, protein mass spectroscopy, CE, HPLC, ELISA, particle analysis methods and chromatographic method development

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