Two Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions
Microfluidic Radiometal Labeling of Biomolecules
Two postdoctoral research associate positions will be available with an approximate start date of September 2008 in a DOE-sponsored, collaborative project between the Radiological Chemistry Lab of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University, St. Louis and the Microchemical Systems Lab of the School of Chemical Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The project:
The overall goal of the project is the development of microfluidic systems capable of radiolabeling common radiometal chelates and ultimately biomolecules such as monoclonal antibodies in high specific activity with the radiometals Ga-68 and Cu-64. Imaging agents such as radiolabeled antibodies and peptides have proven invaluable for PET imaging of low abundance targets such as tumor antigens or the in vivo trafficking of specific cell types (transplanted stem cells or immune cells such as T-cells) but have often suffered from lower than maximum specific activities. Microfluidic reactors present an improved method for radiolabeling with metal radionuclides with potentially much higher specific activities than can be achieved through conventional synthetic procedures.
Postdoc 1:
The first postdoc will work in the Laboratory of Professor Paul Kenis at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a focus on microfluidic chip development. This postdoc will focus on the design, fabrication and preliminary testing of gradually more advanced microfluidic sample preparation chips. This work will not involve radioactive samples; all testing will be performed with ‘cold’ sources. Together with the researchers located in St. Louis, this postdoc will help to develop a robust control/operation platform for these microfluidic radiolabeling devices. For this position experience with microfluidics / microfabrication / microreactors is highly desired.
Postdoc 2:
The second postdoc will work in the Laboratory of Professor David Reichert at Washington University, St. Louis, with a focus on platform implementation. This postdoc will work with the researchers at Illinois to develop a robust control/operation platform for the microfluidic radiolabeling devices, and especially focus on testing the platforms in the synthesis of various radiometal chelates with common ligands. Gradually the testing will include radioactive (‘hot’) metal sources. Also, the radiolabeling of biomolecules with radiometal chelates will be pursued. For this position a strong background in coordination chemistry and analytical techniques such as HPLC and LC/MS is highly desired.
Obviously this project involves a lot of interaction between the researchers at the two sites, so excellent communication skills are highly desired. If you are interested in one or either of these positions, please send your extended resume to Professor Reichert and Professor Kenis:
David E. Reichert
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
Washington University School of Medicine
e-mail:
voice: (314) 362-8461
Paul J.A. Kenis
Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
e-mail:
voice: (217) 265-0523
