Job Summary
The Kasinski Laboratory at Purdue University is seeking an exceptionally motivated, innovative, and independent Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a highly collaborative research program focused on RNA therapeutics, targeted drug delivery, extracellular vesicle biology, and translational cancer research. Our laboratory is developing next-generation small RNA therapeutics, including chemically modified microRNAs and siRNAs, with the goal of advancing novel cancer treatments toward clinical translation.
The successful candidate will lead independent research projects investigating the design, delivery, mechanism of action, and therapeutic application of RNA-based medicines in cancer. This position offers substantial opportunities for scientific leadership, career development, and direct involvement in translational research efforts spanning fundamental biology, therapeutic development, and commercialization.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in molecular biology and in vivo cancer models and have a strong interest in RNA therapeutics and nucleic acid biology. The candidate will be expected to independently develop research directions, design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals, contribute to fellowship and grant applications, and actively participate in mentoring junior laboratory members.
Career Development Opportunities
The successful candidate will have opportunities to:
- Lead high-impact translational research projects.
- Publish in top-tier scientific journals.
- Participate in the preparation of NIH, DoD, foundation, and industry-sponsored grant applications.
- Develop skills in therapeutic development, intellectual property, and commercialization through interactions with LigamiR Therapeutics and other translational partners.
- Receive mentorship tailored toward career advancement in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Education
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
Experience
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including nucleic acid manipulation, cloning, gene expression analysis, CRISPR-based approaches, protein analysis, and functional cellular assays.
- Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo mouse studies, including tumor implantation models, therapeutic efficacy studies, tissue collection, and downstream molecular analyses.
- Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with RNA therapeutics, including microRNAs, siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, mRNA technologies, or related nucleic acid-based platforms.
- Familiarity with chemically modified RNAs, oligonucleotide design, RNA chemistry, or RNA structure-function relationships.
- Experience evaluating therapeutic efficacy, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, or target engagement in preclinical models.
- Experience with cancer biology, tumor microenvironment studies, extracellular vesicle biology, or translational oncology research.
- Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies and computational analysis of genomic or transcriptomic datasets.
- Previous involvement in preparing fellowship applications, grant proposals, or patent disclosures.
Desired Skills and Personal Attributes
- Highly driven scientist with a strong desire to make impactful discoveries and advance technologies toward clinical application.
- Demonstrated ability to think creatively, identify important scientific questions, and develop innovative experimental approaches.
- Strong commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and excellence.
- Ability to independently drive multiple projects from conception through publication.
- Interest in pursuing external fellowship funding and contributing to grant development.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborative team player who contributes positively to laboratory culture and enjoys working with scientists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and a willingness to mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.
- Enthusiasm for working at the interface of basic science, translational research, and therapeutic development.