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Post-Doctoral Research Associate

University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas

USD 62,232-62,232 / month
Posted on Sep 18, 2025
Posting Number S06630P
Position Title Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Functional Title Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Department Bioengineering
Salary Range $62,232 DOQ
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary) 10/31/2026
Posting Open Date 09/17/2025
Posting Close Date 10/15/2025
Open Until Filled No
Desired Start Date 11/01/2025
Job Summary
A postdoctoral position in polymer chemistry, soft biomaterials, and hemostasis is immediately available in the Gao Laboratory in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. The Gao Laboratory of Biomaterials focuses on engineering novel polymeric biomaterials for therapeutic applications.

This is a 1-year position, renewable up to 2 years pending funding availability, satisfactory performance, and the completion of duties listed below. Competitive salary and benefits are on the NIH pay scale. The Department of Bioengineering at UT Dallas is committed to world-class research, and researchers in the Gao Lab will have access to state-of-the-art imaging and fabrication core facilities.

The successful candidate must i) have strong chemical synthesis skills, ii) be able to develop in vitro protocols and carry out complex novel assays, and iii) have previous experience in human subject research or animal research, including IRB or IACUC protocol development and compliance. The successful candidate will also be involved with intensive research training, professional development, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields. A successful record of authorship in peer-reviewed publications is recommended. Researchers with backgrounds in developing new polymeric biomaterials and experience with translational research are encouraged to apply.
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.
Preferred Education and Experience
Education & Experience
  • Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or related fields.
  • Expertise in polymer synthesis, cell culture, and microfluidic chips.
  • Previous experience in working with animals, including IACUC protocol development and compliance.
  • Previous experience in human subject research, including IRB development and compliance.

Required skills and abilities:
  • You are open to feedback and act on it.
  • You are enthusiastic about learning new experimental techniques that can be applied to solve real-world problems.
  • You are highly motivated to pursue and establish a research career.
  • You are self-motivated and driven.
  • You are able and willing to work independently.
  • You are a fast learner and critical thinker.
  • You are results-driven/outcome-oriented.
  • You are organized.
  • You maintain high standards in research.
  • You are an excellent communicator.
  • You are ready to hear about and overcome any patterns that interfere with your productivity and growth as a person and scientist.
  • You are able to write manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals independently.
  • You can communicate biomaterials development and evaluation results in clear and simple language.
  • You are able to think critically, develop and test hypotheses and interpret results independently.
Other Qualifications
To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties will include:
  • Independently develop protocols and perform complex assays for biomaterials synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
  • Planning and executing experiments in polymer synthesis, purification, and characterization.
  • Planning and executing experiments in soft materials fabrication using microfluidic chips or other cutting-edge techniques.
  • Chemical characterization methods using NMR, FTIR, DLS/Zeta, UV-vis, AFM, rheometer, confocal microscope, etc.
  • Quantitative data analysis, including statistical evaluations, and image processing.
  • Present and actively participate in the lab’s weekly meeting.
  • Write reports, journal articles, and grant proposals
  • Train undergraduate and graduate students
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
This is a 1-year position, renewable up to 2 years pending funding availability, satisfactory performance, and the completion of duties.

A remote work schedule is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Internal Training
  • BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full-time employees
  • PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan – PPO plans include ortho benefits
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long and short-term disability
  • TRS Retirement Plan – defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
  • Voluntary Retirement Plan Options – additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Dental/Vision/AD&D
  • Paid time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Winter Break
  • Fertility Benefits
All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.
Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.