Postdoctoral Scholar

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-37865
Position Category: Dental
Job Type: Postdoctoral
Posting Department: School of Dentistry, Research- Dr. Fugolin's Lab
Posting Salary Range: Salary for this position aligns with the NIH scale, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday
Posting Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm
HR Mission: Academics
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

The Department of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar with a PhD in Molecular Immunology or Biochemistry with an emphasis on immunology. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment led by Dr. Ana Paula P. Fugolin (DDS, MS, PhD).

Function/Duties of Position

The Fugolin Laboratory is an NIH/NIDCR-funded research program focused on the development, characterization, and validation of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for therapeutic applications in chronic oral inflammation. Our work aims to restore hemostasis, modulate inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration in oral inflammatory diseases. The laboratory offers a highly collaborative and intellectually vibrant environment, with strong institutional support and extensive opportunities for professional growth.

The laboratory is currently engaged in major research initiatives, including: Bio-Responsive and Immune Protein¿Based Therapies for the Inhibition of Proteolytic Enzymes in Dental Tissues - This NIH-funded project (DE032302) focuses on the development of multifunctional bio-responsive platforms and nanobodies that dynamically interact with enzymes and cytokines present in pathogenic oral environments. The ultimate goal is to modulate inflammatory activity and promote tissue regeneration.

Position Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research aligned with the goals of the principal investigator
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments involving cell culture and immune-modulatory pathways
• Study key regulatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes involved in inflammatory tissue destruction
• Develop and validate responsive nanocarriers and nanobodies for immunomodulation
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant submissions, and scientific presentations
• Maintain high research standards in compliance with institutional, federal, and ethical regulations
• Work collegially within a multidisciplinary research team

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Immunology or Biochemistry with emphasis in Immunology
• Experience in validating the efficiency of nanocarriers to immune modulate chronic inflammatory responses. It is expected proficiency in antibodies binding kinetics, inhibitory capacity, zymography, ELISA, PCR, cell culture, proteomic analysis, animal studies
• Enthusiasm and ability to learn new skills
• Well organized and ability to work on multiple projects
• Excellent communication skills
• Work well independently and as a member of a highly collaborative team
• Ability to write manuscript for publication