The University of Hong Kong
6 days ago
Postdoctoral Fellow in Hydrogel-Enabled Peptide Brain Delivery for Neurodegenerative Diseases The University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
This is a full-time temporary appointment for one year, renewable subject to funding availability and project progress. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience is offered, along with annual leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries.
Deadline
Jan 31, 2027
Country
Hong Kong
University
The University of Hong Kong
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About this position
The University of Hong Kong invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Hydrogel-Enabled Peptide Brain Delivery in the JC STEM Lab of Nanomedicine for Advanced Therapy, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. The laboratory is led by Professor Khuloud Al-Jamal and develops advanced nose-to-brain delivery systems for neurodegenerative diseases.
The successful researcher will design, synthesize, and evaluate peptide analogues and biodegradable hydrogels intended to bypass the blood-brain barrier and provide precise, non-invasive brain-targeted therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Research themes include peptide chemistry, nanomaterial and hydrogel engineering, nose-to-brain delivery, neuroinflammation, microglial activation, neuroprotection, and translational in vivo disease modelling.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related discipline. Required expertise includes peptide synthesis, bioconjugation, hydrogel formulation and characterization, nanomaterials, cell and molecular biology, neuronal or nasal epithelial cell culture, and rodent studies. Experience with HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, GPC, ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, pharmacokinetic sampling, and behavioural testing is valuable. Radiolabelling and formulation optimization software are desirable.
The one-year appointment may be renewed subject to funding and project progress. The package includes a competitive salary, annual leave, medical benefits, and free access to campus gyms and libraries. Apply online with an up-to-date CV by 31 January 2027, although recruitment may close earlier once the post is filled.
Funding details
This is a full-time temporary appointment for one year, renewable subject to funding availability and project progress. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience is offered, along with annual leave, medical benefits, and free access to on-campus gyms and libraries.
What's required
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Candidates should have strong biological skills and a high-quality research record involving peptide- or nanomaterial-based therapeutics, scientific writing and publication experience, hands-on expertise in nanomaterial and hydrogel formulation, characterization and optimization, peptide synthesis and bioconjugation chemistry, and brain delivery strategies including nose-to-brain delivery and blood-brain barrier targeting. Familiarity with neurodegenerative disease biology, cell and molecular biology techniques, neuronal and nasal epithelial cell culture, and in vivo rodent models is required. Desirable experience includes radiolabelling, HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, GPC, analytical software, and Design-Expert or similar optimization tools. Excellent written and spoken English, IT skills, collaboration, independent problem-solving, student supervision, and willingness to undergo further training are expected.
How to apply
Apply online through the University of Hong Kong application portal. Upload an up-to-date CV. Applications will be reviewed from 12 October 2026 until 31 January 2027 or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.