Afshin Salehi

The University of Nebraska Medical Center's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the lab of Surinder Batra, PhD, and Afshin Salehi, MD, MS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Salehi’s lab is recognized for its cutting-edge research in brain cancer therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on developing and validating preclinical models for neuro-oncological diseases. The lab has pioneered a laser interstitial thermal therapy mouse model and has previously investigated blood-brain barrier breakdown in patient-derived xenograft mouse glioma models. Current research directions include engineering nanoparticles for targeted laser therapeutics and exploring new drug discovery approaches for pediatric high-grade gliomas using connectivity mapping. The team is also developing a new syngeneic mouse model to advance research in this area. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to projects focused on novel treatments for pediatric high-grade gliomas, including new drug trials, studies of the tumor immune microenvironment, and laser therapies. The position requires a PhD in a scientific field and prior experience with tissue culture, molecular and biochemistry assays, handling mouse lines, histology staining and imaging, and intracranial injections. The successful candidate will apply their technical skills to translational projects aimed at improving laser neuro-oncological therapeutics, with the goal of facilitating clinical applications and trials. The appointment is full-time and regular, with salary commensurate with experience. The position is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative research environment dedicated to advancing treatments for brain cancer.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join the lab of Surinder Batra, PhD, and Afshin Salehi, MD, MS, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Salehi's lab is recognized for its cutting-edge research in brain cancer therapeutics, focusing on developing and validating preclinical models for neuro-oncological diseases. The lab has pioneered a laser interstitial thermal therapy mouse model and has previously investigated blood-brain barrier breakdown in patient-derived xenograft mouse glioma models. Current research directions include engineering nanoparticles for targeted laser therapeutics and exploring new drug discovery for pediatric high-grade gliomas using connectivity mapping. The team is also developing a new syngeneic mouse model to advance research in this area. The postdoctoral associate will contribute to projects aimed at devising novel treatments for pediatric high-grade gliomas, including new drug trials, studies of the tumor immune microenvironment, and laser therapies. The position requires a PhD in a scientific field and experience with tissue culture, molecular and biochemistry assays, handling mouse lines, histology staining and imaging, and intracranial injections. The successful candidate will apply their technical skills to translational research projects with the potential for clinical application and involvement in clinical trials. The University of Nebraska Medical Center is a leading public academic health sciences center, committed to advancing health care through education, research, and outreach. Funding for the position is available, with salary commensurate with experience. The application deadline is August 30, 2025. Interested candidates should apply online and provide a CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience.