Postdoctoral Associate – Nanoparticle & Heavy Metal Research

About the role

The University of Miami seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to lead cutting‑edge research on metal‑chelating nanoparticles and their integration into nano‑wipe substrates. The role involves designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel nanomaterials aimed at removing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium from environmental and biological samples.

Key responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize metal‑chelating nanoparticles.
• Integrate nanoparticles into nano‑wipe platforms and evaluate their efficacy in simulated and real‑world heavy‑metal exposure scenarios.
• Perform advanced analytical measurements (ICP‑MS, LC‑MS, NMR, microscopy, electrochemistry) to assess nanoparticle stability and chelation efficiency.
• Conduct cell‑culture and animal studies to examine biocompatibility and detoxification performance.
• Analyze data, develop computational models, and optimize formulations for selectivity and safety.
• Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, and toxicologists across the research team.
• Prepare manuscripts for high‑impact journals, present findings at conferences, and contribute to grant reporting and proposal development.
• Maintain a safe, organized laboratory environment in compliance with university policies.

Required profile

• Doctorate degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new protocols, technologies, and adapt to changing research priorities.
• Strong teamwork orientation and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software and scientific data‑management tools.

Required skills

• Nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalization.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP‑MS).
• Liquid Chromatography‑Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS).
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
• Microscopy (electron, optical) and electrochemical analysis.
• Cell‑culture techniques and basic animal handling.
• Data analysis, statistical evaluation, and computational modeling.
• Scientific writing for manuscripts and grant reports.