Ph.D. Program opening, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2025, Research Assistantship Position Available In Fulton, Georgia

Ph.D. Program opening, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2025, Research Assistantship Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341 Ph.D. Program Opportunity in Pharmaceutical Sciences Mercer University College of Pharmacy | Atlanta, GA We are seeking a highly motivated, dedicated, and passionate applicant for admission to the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences to join Dr. Mahavir B. Chougule’s research group—the Ingenious Biopharma-engineered Drugs and Biologics Delivery Laboratory (iBD-2 Lab) —at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy, located at 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Research Focus and Mission:

Dr. Chougule’s interdisciplinary research program focuses on developing targeted delivery systems for the co-delivery of therapeutic agents—including small molecules, siRNA, miRNA, anti-miRNA, oligonucleotides, proteins, and immunomodulatory antigens—via nano- and microparticle-based formulations. Applications include treatment strategies for COVID-19, asthma, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Our lab integrates advanced methods in developing drug and/or biologic-loaded nano- or microparticulate formulations, physicochemical characterization, in vitro assays, and in vivo pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies.

Research Expertise and Achievements:

Dr. Chougule brings over 20 years of research experience across academic, research institute, and pharmaceutical industry settings. His work has been consistently funded by the NIH, pharmaceutical industry sponsors, and nonprofit organizations since 2010.

His achievements include:

10 patents 42 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals 16 review articles, 15 book chapters, and 3 editorial articles 34 invited lectures and over 100 scientific posters Mentorship of 13 Ph.D. students, 6 master’s students, 19 PharmD/pharmacy students, 13 postdoctoral fellows, 4 undergraduate students, and 4 high school students Recipient of the Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation and three national

AACR Scholar Awards Candidate Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will hold a B.S., B.Sc. (Pharm), B.E., M.S., or PharmD in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to applicants who have earned a degree from a North American university. For international applicants (from countries where English is not the primary language), a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 7.5 is required. A strong academic background, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

GRE scores:

at least the 40th percentile in verbal reasoning and 60th percentile in quantitative reasoning are preferred. Strong laboratory and data analysis skills Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting Strong written and verbal communication skills Upload one PDF file comprising i) Letter of Interest and Research Statement, ii) CV, iii) unofficial copies of degree/s /s transcript/s /s, iv) GRE and TOEFL score card if you have a degree/s from an international institution/s, and v) names of three references. Additional Requirements for

International Applicants:

Applicants with international credentials must submit a course-by-course evaluation by a professional credentialing service, including a GPA assessment and U.S. degree equivalency. If you are passionate about advancing scientific research and aspire to make a meaningful impact in drug discovery and delivery, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Application Information:

For complete Ph.D. program application details, prerequisites, and requirements, please visit:

Contact:

Dr. Mahavir B.

Chougule Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA Email:

Chougule_MB@mercer.edu

Phone:

(678) 547-6248

Faculty Profile:

https://pharmacy.mercer.edu/faculty/chougule/

Lab Profile:

https://pharmacy.mercer.edu/faculty/chougule/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahavir-b-chougule-05912514/

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$22,000.00 – $24,000.00 per year

Education:

Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Language:

English (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Atlanta, GA 30341 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Atlanta, GA 30341: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person