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PU
Purdue University
Post Doc Research Associate
Career Insights for Infectious Disease Scientist
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What they do
An Infectious Disease Scientist performs scientific research with the aim of discovering new solutions or improving existing ones within the fields of infection sciences such as clinical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, and virology. Plans and conducts laboratory experiments, evaluates the results, develops new experiments, performs routine testing procedures, and summarizes findings in reports.
$101,258 / year median in Indiana
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary The NanoEngineering for Advanced Theranostics (NEAT) Laboratory, led by PI Dr. Jessica Hsu (starting January 2026), is seeking highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellows to join a research program that integrates molecular imaging and nanomedicine, leveraging their complementary strengths to improve disease outcomes. Our overall approach is to identify unmet clinical needs, devise innovative solutions, and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to implement and iteratively refine each strategy, thereby maximizing both scientific impact and translational potential. Responsibilities Design multifunctional nanoplatforms (organic, inorganic, hybrid) for image-guided (PET/SPECT, CT, MRI, optical, etc.) therapeutic applications (radiotherapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, etc.). Investigate mechanisms at the nano-bio interface to better modulate immune responses, the tumor microenvironment, and other biological processes. Conduct preclinical studies using in vivo disease models (cancer, inflammation, organ injury, etc.) and new alternative methodologies (advanced biological models, etc.) to assess safety and efficacy. Expand research projects with original ideas and mentor graduate/undergraduate students. Prepare manuscripts, present findings at conferences, and actively pursue extramural funding. Qualifications Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline, with a demonstrated track record of research publications. Familiarity in bio/nanomaterial synthesis, bioimaging, drug delivery, radiochemistry, and/or molecular biology techniques is preferred. Experience working with radioisotopes and small animal models is desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. About the PI Dr. Jessica Hsu received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. She will join the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University as an Assistant Professor in January 2026. She has authored >50 peer-reviewed publications (>2500 citations, h-index: 24) in leading journals including Advanced Functional Materials, Chemistry of Materials, and Nature Reviews Methods Primers. Her research has been recognized with numerous honors, including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Brody Family Postdoctoral Fellowship, and