Postdoctoral Scholar - Cardiology
Position Overview
Organization: Medicine, Cardiology
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Cardiology
Position Details
Position Description
A postdoctoral position is available in the Nazer Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine at the University of Washington to develop and study therapeutic ultrasound devices in pre-clinical models of cardiovascular disease (both structural heart diseases and arrhythmias).
In collaboration with our Research Engineers, the UW Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Center for Cardiovascular Biology, and Electrophysiology Section, Dr. Nazer’s laboratory designs, fabricates, characterizes and studies therapeutic ultrasound devices in benchtop, ex-vivo and in-vivo (large animal) models.
This is a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position on an annual,12-month appointment (July 1-June 30) with an anticipated but flexible start date of March 1, 2023 to lead in-vivo research of the laboratory’s main project, which is funded by NIH R01 HL160712 (NIH SBIR Phase 2 grant pending as well).
The base salary range for this position will be $4,480 to $5,459 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
The Nazer Lab recently moved to UW October 2022 and is growing! We specialize in medical device research & development, particularly in the area of therapeutic ultrasound, electrophysiology/arrhythmias and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where we have been remarkably innovative and successful (PMIDs 33092899, 33385570, 26546345, 24297498). However, as we expand, there are increasing project opportunities in the area of self-recharging cardiac pacemakers, small animal models of genetic/inflammatory cardiomyopathies and even cancer screening/surveillance devices. Dr. Nazer and colleagues also routinely collaborate with medical device incubators as well as small and large medical device companies in the cardiovascular space. Such collaborations and networking will open avenues to potential industry positions in future phases of the post-doctoral fellow’s career. Finally, nearly all of the projects in Dr. Nazer’s laboratory are designed to eventually build toward first-in-human Early Feasibility Studies, so the position will help the postdoc learn FDA Good Labor & Practices (GLP) methods and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) methods through interactions with our regulatory consultants. The successful candidate will benefit from the career development and skill acquisition that build toward a career in academia and/or the medical device industry via the following tasks:
- Design and perform large animal experiments that include the following (50%):
- Assist in anesthesia care that will be predominantly provided by CIMU and DVM staff
- Perform in-vivo terminal and survival experiments (training can be provided by Dr. Nazer as needed)
- Ultrasound-guided vascular access
- Catheter-based electroanatomic mapping
- Catheter ablation
- Pacemaker implantation
- Implantable loop recorder
- Intra-cardiac and trans-thoracic echocardiography
- Assist in recovery and monitoring of survival animals
- Necropsy, gross pathology and histology
- Develop small animal models of cardiomyopathy (30%):
- Generate experimental mice as needed, based on discussions with collaborators.
- Trans-thoracic echocardiogram
- Echocardiogram-guided myocardial injections
- Small animal nuclear imaging studies
- Generate experimental mice as needed, based on discussions with collaborators.
- Experimental documentation consistent with FDA Good Labor & Practices (GLP) (10%):
- Learn GLP methods from GLP consultant
- Set up Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents consistent with GLP standards
- Eventually assist with preparation of an FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) submission for future first-in-human studies
Recent PhDs (within the last 5 years) in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering or cardiovascular biology are particularly encouraged to apply. At least one first author paper is required. The Lab trains and mentors its members for their future professional success, although hard work and good commutation skills are necessary.
The Nazer Laboratory is located on the Montlake campus of the University of Washington (this is the same campus as UW Medical Center, allowing seamless interaction and collaboration with clinicians) and within the Portage Bay Building of the Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound. The Montlake campus is also directly adjacent (across Pacific Avenue) from the broader UW undergraduate and graduate campus, allowing for similarly seamless interaction and collaborations (including several existing ones) with UW engineering faculty, students and other postdocs.
Some collaborations and in-vivo studies will take place on UW’s South Lake Union research campus, which provides scientists with a highly interactive environment for research in not only cardiovascular diseases but also oncology, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. The campus offers a number of well-managed core laboratories which enhance research activities.
The Division of Cardiology is a large, complex Division in the Department of Medicine with over 100 faculty, 31 fellows and over 100 professional, classified and hourly employees spread across 6 campuses: UW-Montlake, Harborview Medical Center, UW-Northwest, Edmonds Cardiology Clinic, VA Puget Sound Hospital and UW South Lake Union.
The University of Washington is one of the most innovative public universities in the US, enjoying the top 10 ranking in NIH funding. Seattle, a vibrant and exciting city with Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and Boeing, offers a beautiful summer and numerous outdoor activities.
Qualifications
Ph.D. or foreign equivalent degree relevant.
At least one first author paper is required. The Lab trains and mentors its members for their future professional success, although hard work and good commutation skills are necessary.
Instructions
Please submit a cover letter and CV through Interfolio. With questions, you may contact Dr. Babak Nazer, the Principal Investigator, at bnazer@uw.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.