There are currently two main projects in our lab:   1. Bio-Responsive and Immune Protein-Based Therapies for Inhibition of Proteolytic Enzymes in Dental Tissues. This project aims to develop multifunctional bio-responsive platforms capable of interacting dynamically with enzymes and cytokines present in pathogenic oral conditions by modulating their activity and, ultimately, promoting new tissue formation (NIH DE032302).   2. Design and Synthesis of Self-Healing Dental Materials. This project aims to develop dental materials capable of inhibiting microcrack propagation within a restoration and promote autonomous microstructural healing under masticatory forces and thermal stress. We are engineering a novel, microcapsule-based, self-healing dental material system for the expressed purpose of increasing the clinical survival of dental composite-based restorations, which often fail due to fracture (NIDCR DE028876).   The successful candidate will have extensive experience in cell culture, key regulatory cytokines and enzymes involved in inflammatory diseases that lead to tissues destruction, and the tools to validate the efficiency of responsive nanocarriers to immune modulate their activity. It is expected that the appointed candidate works independently, play an active role seeking career and research advice, perform the research required by the supervisor to a high standard, in accordance with institutional and federal regulations and ethical standards, and work in a collegial and cooperative manner with the supervisor and other co-workers. Career development training opportunities are highly encouraged by the PI and are plentiful at OHSU.

- Develop quantitative imaging analysis tools or deep learning application in biomedical imaging - Summarize findings and publish results in research journals - Supervise other personnel in the laboratory to coordinate research efforts for increased efficiency;  participate in training of students and volunteer

- Leading and organizing MRI data collection efforts from infants and young children including attending scans on evenings and weekends and responsibility for data quality control. - Engaging with HBCD consortium (representing the OHSU site by serving on workgroups, attending relevant trainings, and giving presentations). - Statistical analysis of MRI and other data types in preparation for dissemination. - Training graduate students, undergraduate students, and research assistants. - Assisting with research protocols and compliance. - Contributing to dissemination of data including preparing manuscripts for publication and presentation of data at national and international meetings.

Postdoctoral positions are available for a newly NIAAA-funded study in the Division of Neuroscience at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at the Oregon Health & Sciences University. This project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Drs. Chris Kroenke, Elinor Sullivan, and Verginia Cuzon Carlson. Together, our group is studying the effects of prenatal ethanol exposure in a non-human primate model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The experiments proposed include magnetic resonance imaging, ex vivo slice electrophysiology, and primate behavior including the assessment of normative behavior, cognition and emotional regulation.  Responsibilities will include assisting at multiple phases of the study, including data collection, data analysis, and results dissemination by publications and presentations at national meetings.  Candidates with expertise or prior experience in one of the following areas (and a strong desire to develop additional skills in at least one additional area) are especially encouraged to apply: behavioral models of learning and motivation, models of alcohol use disorder, developmental neuroscience, ex vivo slice electrophysiology, neuroimaging data and/or computational neuroscience.

- Develop and implement research plan - Analyze data - Prepare presentations and manuscripts, contribute to grant preparation - Contribute to general lab maintenance

- Synthetic design and development of novel fluorophores to specifically highlight tissues in the body for fluorescence guided surgery. - Attendance and presentation at lab meetings, contributions to publications as requested (writing, figures, data), contributions to applications for funding as requested (writing, figures, data. - Presentations of successful research at one or more national or international meetings per year, as requested. - Supervision of graduate or other students as requested.

The successful candidate for this position will be expected to independently contribute to and actively participate in research projects related to studies in nonhuman primates (NHP) to advance HIV antibody therapeutics and cure research. Training will be required and provided to prepare for participating in NHP lab animal experiments including handling of NHP for passive antibody and vaccine studies. Research will include working with infectious agents, including Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV) in a BSL-2+ containment laboratory. A working knowledge of the use of PET/CT technology and analysis for medical research purposes is desirable, but specific training for supporting these studies will be provided as part of the candidate’s training. Candidates for this position will be evaluated for laboratory skills and experience that include general immunology-related assays, protein biochemistry, mammalian cell culture, Flow Cytometry, FACS sorting, and molecular biology and cloning techniques. This position will also require assistance with writing manuscripts for publications, project proposals for funding, internal and external research reporting, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and IACUC regulatory documentation related to laboratory management. Primary research responsibilities will include planning and performing experiments within the guidelines assigned by the principal investigators, data collection and analysis, and developing new technologies in the laboratory. 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards Technical Researh: Independently conduct technical laboratory research to assess ploidy and haploidy in mammalian gametes, embryos and stem cells. These responsibilities include: collect oocytes and conduct assisted reproductive techniques in laboratory models, utilization of novel embryo manipulation techniques including somatic cell nuclear transfer; isolation and characterization of blastomeres, ES cells and iPS cells, produce chimeric and transgenic animals, day to day maintenance of embryo and cell cultures, records and laboratory analysis by molecular, histological and immunocytochemical methods.   Data Collection/Analysis/Record Keeping:  Collect and analyze scientific data pertinent to the research projects. Manage and maintain detailed animal records and all research related information in an easily identifiable manner for current and historical documentation. Report Preparation and Literature Research: Prepare reports containing analytical, descriptive, and evaluative content that will be submitted for publication or for contribution to grant applications, progress reports, presentations at national and international meetings, etc. Conduct research of literature and database analysis. Personnel Supervision: Serve as lead-person for laboratory research assistants; train staff in research techniques and protocols; delegate tasks and oversee work of students and other support staff.   Material Presentation: Present research findings to fellow investigators and collaborative scientists; attend professional meetings.  

The Biomaterials and Biomechanics Department is seeking a Post-doctoral researcher/fellow to begin immediately. The successful candidate will be joining an enthusiastic and dynamic group. This position requires research performance consistent with the goals of the principal investigator, Carmem Pfeifer PhD. The lab is very active, with the opportunities to publish papers, submit grant proposals, present at technical meetings, and work with partners in industry and university / government. There are currently several areas of work within my lab which span within the broad field of biomaterials and include the following specific topic areas: - Design and synthesis of novel polymeric materials for dental and biomedical applications: the major project funded in the lab aims at harnessing ecological interactions within the oral biofilm and host enzyme derived degradation of the tooth substrate to develop novel restorative materials capable of withstanding the challenges posed by the use in the oral environment. These challenges include mechanical loading, bacteria-derived acid demineralization of the tooth, degradation of the material by salivary and bacteria-derived enzymes, as well as substrate degradation by water percolation and host metalloproteinases. - Test materials under physiological conditions in vitro: material resistance to degradation under physiologically-relevant conditions is the main focus of the development in the lab. Testing includes microbiology assays, mechanical testing and combinations thereof. Polymerization behavior is assessed with spectroscopic techniques, isolated or in tandem with mechanical testing. The successful candidate will have experience in material characterization techniques and manuscript preparation. Ability to work independently and contribute ideas is essential. We are looking for a motivated individual, with the mindset of contributing to the group in a meaningful way. Career development training opportunities are plentiful at OHSU, and participation is highly encouraged by the PI. The lab is currently funded through FY 2027 (NIH-NIDCR 1R35-DE029083), and therefore, it is expected that the candidate will be able to be part of the group for at least 2-3 years.

We are seeking a recent PhD graduate or someone with postdoctoral experience to participate in research focused on understanding how herpes simplex virus (HSV) proteins and virus particles are transported in neuronal axons. The position will involve manipulating and producing plasmid DNAs, which will be transfected into neurons cells to produce HSV proteins that are transported into neuronal axons. Other work will involve studies of protein-protein interactions to understand which HSV proteins interact with kinesin motors that transport virus particles in axons. Specific duties include: - Manipulating and producing plasmid DNAs, which will be transfected into neurons to characterize protein transport into axons. - Producing virus stocks and using these viruses to infect neurons.  - Passaging and caring for neuronal cell lines and imaging these cells using confocal microscopy in order to determine how viruses and viral proteins are transported into neuronal axons. - Studying interactions between viral proteins and kinesin motors using molecular biologic techniques. - Assisting PI to write scientific papers and grant applications This position follows the NIH Salary Scale. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work in standard microbiology laboratory conditions, with exposures such as hazardous chemicals and biohazard waste.