Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: October 10, 2025
Category: Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Job Summary

The NanoEngineering for Advanced Theranostics (NEAT) Laboratory, led by Dr. Jessica Hsu (starting January 2026), is seeking highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellows to join a pioneering research program that integrates molecular imaging and nanomedicine. The lab’s mission is to leverage the complementary strengths of these fields to improve disease outcomes.

Our approach involves identifying unmet clinical needs, developing innovative nanotechnology-based solutions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary experts to maximize both scientific impact and translational potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design multifunctional nanoplatforms (organic, inorganic, hybrid) for image-guided therapeutic applications (PET/SPECT, CT, MRI, optical imaging, etc.).

• Investigate nano-bio interface mechanisms to better modulate immune responses, tumor microenvironments, and other biological processes.

• Conduct preclinical studies using in vivo disease models (cancer, inflammation, organ injury, etc.) and advanced biological models to assess safety and efficacy.

• Develop independent research projects, mentor graduate/undergraduate students, and contribute to collaborative initiatives.

• Prepare scientific manuscripts, present findings at conferences, and actively pursue extramural funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

• Proven research record demonstrated by high-quality publications.

• Experience in bio/nanomaterial synthesis, bioimaging, drug delivery, radiochemistry, or molecular biology is preferred.

• Familiarity with radioisotopes and small animal models is desirable.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

About the Principal Investigator (PI)

Dr. Jessica Hsu earned her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania (2021) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2025). She will join the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University as an Assistant Professor in January 2026.

Dr. Hsu has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications (2500+ citations, h-index: 24) in top-tier journals such as Advanced Functional Materials, Chemistry of Materials, and Nature Reviews Methods Primers. Her honors include:

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

• Brody Family Postdoctoral Fellowship

• WMIC WIMIN Scholar Awards

She has also served as a guest editor for special journal issues and a reviewer for more than 15 journals and conferences. Dr. Hsu is dedicated to fostering a diverse, collaborative, and dynamic lab environment that values mentorship and innovation.

Learn more: https://hhs.purdue.edu/hsu-neatlab/