Faculty.Instructor.Research - Full-Time in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh

Department of Radiology

Research Instructor, Non-Tenure (Full-Time)

The laboratory of Dr. Sina Tavakoli, Department of Radiology, is seeking a highly motivated Research Instructor with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing molecular imaging in pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases through innovative approaches to visualize and interrogate disease processes at the molecular level. By leveraging advanced technologies, we aim to generate new insights into disease mechanisms and identify novel targets for diagnosis and therapy.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Instructor to lead and contribute to translational research at the interface of cellular biology, molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and targeted therapeutics. The successful Candidate will play a central role in developing innovative imaging and drug delivery strategies, with a focus on macrophage biology in cardiopulmonary disease.

Key Responsibilities.

•Lead and execute research projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) in molecular imaging and targeted drug delivery, including hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts and grant applications.

•Develop and translate molecular imaging probes (PET/SPECT), including design, synthesis, optimization, and validation in preclinical models.

•Implement preclinical imaging and analysis workflows, including development of PET/SPECT/CT protocols, image acquisition and reconstruction, and quantitative processing of multimodal datasets.

•Support image-guided therapeutic strategies, including development and evaluation of nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms, integrating imaging to assess targeting, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy.

•Contribute to a collaborative research environment by working closely with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring trainees, and participating in regular research discussions and academic activities under the direction of the PI.

Qualifications

• PhD in a biomedical or related field.

• Strong expertise in the following areas: synthesis of imaging probes and nanoparticles; preclinical molecular imaging (including PET/SPECT/CT instrumentation and image processing); and image-guided targeted drug delivery.

• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and written/oral communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Why Join Us?

•Join a highly collaborative and translational research environment with strong integration between basic science and imaging programs.

•Opportunity to contribute to innovative, high-impact research and to help advance technologies toward preclinical and clinical translation.

• Ability to develop independent research direction within a supportive, team-based environment under PI mentorship.

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter to requisition #26002542 on http://www.join.pitt.edu/

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.