Postdoctoral Researcher/Staff Scientist in Biomaterials, Polymer Chemistry, and Microbiology at Oregon Health & Science University Oregon Health & Science University in United States

The Pfeifer Lab at Oregon Health & Science University’s School of Dentistry is recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar (and the post also mentions a Staff Scientist option) to join a collaborative, NIH-funded research team in Portland, Oregon.

This opportunity sits at the intersection of biomaterials, polymer chemistry, microbiology, tissue interactions, and dental materials. The lab develops innovative restorative materials for oral and healthcare applications, with projects focused on the design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials and testing their performance under physiologically relevant conditions. Research methods include microbiology assays, mechanical testing, spectroscopy, chromatography, nanoparticle systems, bioconjugation, and drug delivery-related approaches.

The position is a strong fit for candidates with a PhD in a relevant field such as biomedical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or molecular biology-related disciplines. The posting emphasizes experience in at least two of the following areas: molecular biology/microbiology assays, small-molecule synthesis, liquid chromatography, nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, drug delivery, and small animal models. Applicants should also have strong scholarly output, manuscript writing experience, strong English communication skills, and the ability to work independently with careful record-keeping.

Funding is provided through Dr. Carmem Pfeifer’s external grants and the lab is supported through FY 2028. Salary follows the NIH scale and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The lab expects the successful candidate to contribute for at least 2–3 years and offers opportunities for publication, grant writing, collaboration, and career development.

Applications must be submitted through the OHSU iCIMS portal; only applications submitted there will be reviewed.