Postdoctoral Scientist

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Scientist - Drug Delivery Experimental Fluid Dynamics will contribute to highly visible research projects at the intersection of pulmonary and nasal tissue physiology, inhaled formulation science, and experimental fluid dynamics. This role supports the advancement of next-generation inhalation therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro aerosol characterization experiments using experimental fluid dynamics techniques on pulmonary and nasal device platforms, assessing droplet size distribution (e.g., laser diffraction, cascade impaction), delivered dose, and delivery efficiency.
• Apply working knowledge of pulmonary and nasal tissue physiology to design physiologically representative benchtop and ex vivo experimental models, accounting for anatomical variability.
• Apply and interpret existing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or physiologically based pharmacokinetic/deposition (PBPK/PBPD) models to complement experimental data and predict regional aerosol deposition.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, device engineers, and translational scientists to integrate experimental and physiological findings into formulation optimization, design space definition, and actionable insights.
• Communicate findings through internal technical reports, cross-functional presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in structured mentorship and professional development programming.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in experimental fluid dynamics—physical measurements, flow visualization, and benchtop or physiologically representative models of fluid and particle transport.
• Experience designing and executing hands-on experiments and applying characterization techniques (e.g., next-generation impactor [NGI], laser diffraction, DUSA).
• Working knowledge of tissue physiology and anatomy (ideally airway/mucosal structure, mucus properties, and regional anatomy relevant to aerosol deposition and clearance).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrix-based environment.
• Familiarity with computational modeling of aerosol transport and/or deposition (e.g., CFD using ANSYS Fluent/OpenFOAM, or lung deposition models such as MPPD) is preferred.
• Experience with realistic or idealized airway geometry models (e.g., Weibel, stochastic, or CT-derived anatomical models) is preferred.
• Prior industry internship or academic–industry collaborative research experience is preferred.
• Self-directed and highly motivated individual who wants to learn new techniques while continually pursuing research and publication goals is preferred.
• Excellent communicator (oral and written) with presentation experience and a strong publication record.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting.

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Physiology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerosol Science, or a closely related field, conferred within the past 3 years.
• Strong publication record commensurate with career stage.

Additional Information

• This is a fixed-term role for one year, extendable up to four years, with eligibility to apply for full-time positions upon completion.
• Position Location: Boston, MA.
• Travel Percentage: 10%.