Department of Food Science and Nutrition
Postdoctoral Fellow (four posts)
(Ref. 260430008)
[Appointment period: each for twenty-two months]
Duties
The appointees will assist the project leader in the research project - “Development of self-heating traditional Chinese medicine patches for alleviating knee osteoarthritis” with duties and responsibilities as below:
(a) chemical analysis: utilise techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyse the main components and transdermal absorption components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patches;
(b) bioactivity testing: conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to assess the biological activity of the TCM patches; use techniques such as ELISA, histopathology, qPCR, and Western blot to explore the mechanisms of the self-heating TCM patch’s effect on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis in rats;
(c) toxicology evaluation: perform comprehensive toxicology tests, including acute and chronic toxicity studies, as well as skin irritation and sensitisation tests;
(d) pharmaceutical formulation development: optimize the formulation of TCM ingredients to ensure effective delivery and stability;
(e) data analysis and reporting: collect and analyse experimental data using statistical methods and assess the significance of results; prepare detailed research reports documenting methodologies, results, conclusions, and potential patent applications; and
(f) perform any other duties as assigned by the project leader, the Head of Unit or their delegates.
Qualifications
Applicants should:
(a) have a PhD degree in Biology, Pharmacology, Natural Science, Life Science, Physiology or a related discipline or an equivalent qualification, and must have no more than five years of post-qualification experience at the time of application;
(b) have a good command of written and spoken English;
(c) have a strong sense of responsibility;
(d) be highly motivated; and
(e) be able to work independently.
Applicants are invited to contact Dr Zhang Huan via email at zhanghuan.zhang@polyu.edu.hk for further information.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.
Consideration of applications will commence on 7 May 2026 until the positions are filled.
Posting date: 30 April 2026