Post Doc Scientist

Role SummaryPostdoctoral Research Fellow in Analytical Development focused on developing next-generation spectromicroscopy strategies (Raman, FTIR, OPTIR, MALDI MS) to characterize long-acting injectable (LAI) drug depots and understand their in-tissue chemical and solid-state behavior. This role provides a unique opportunity to integrate advanced spectroscopy, multimodal imaging, chemometrics, and machine learning to address key scientific questions related to drug release, depot stability, and injection-site responses. Collaborates closely with Formulation, DMPK, DPP, and Toxicology teams and presents research in internal forums and external publications and conferences.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and optimize Raman, FTIR, OPTIR, and MALDI MS methods to characterize depot chemistry and solid-state forms across synthetic media and ex vivo tissues.Perform stress-induced solid form transition studies (pH, oxidative stress, moisture-driven transformations) for model LAI systems.Build machine-learning and chemometric models (CLS, PLS, PCA, image-based segmentation) to map drug distribution, degradation, and polymorphic transitions.Characterize drug depots in porcine dermis, fat, and muscle tissue to assess in-tissue transformations and correlate analytical findings with histopathology and ISR outcomes.Integrate multimodal datasets (Raman/IR/MALDI) into unified chemical imaging workflows to support formulation development.Collaborate closely with Formulation, DMPK, DPP, and Toxicology teams on cross-functional LAI development.Present research in internal forums and contribute to high-impact external publications and conferences.QualificationsRequired: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Optics Science, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.Required: Hands-on experience with Raman and/or FTIR spectroscopy.Required: Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for spectroscopic data processing, multivariate analysis, and deep learning for image segmentation.Required: Strong scientific curiosity, problem-solving ability, and independent research skills.Required: Demonstrated track record of conference presentations or peer-reviewed publications.Preferred: Experience with OPTIR, digital microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative phase microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRPD, MALDI-IMS, HPLC, LCMS.Preferred: Experience with building and maintaining advanced or non-linear spectroscopy/microscopy instruments.Preferred: Background in solid-state characterization, LAI formulation, or tissue-based imaging workflows.Preferred: Familiarity with chemometric platforms (e.g., PLS Toolbox).Preferred: Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a matrixed, multidisciplinary environment.SkillsMultimodal imaging and data integrationChemometrics and multivariate analysisMachine learning and deep learning for image analysisScientific communication and cross-functional collaborationExperimental design and problem solvingJ-18808-Ljbffr