Ph.D. Program opening, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2025, Research Assistantship

Ph.D. Program opening, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2025, Research Assistantship

Job Description:

Ph.D. Program Opportunity in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Mercer University College of Pharmacy | Atlanta, GAWe are seeking a highly motivated, dedicated, and passionate applicant for admission to the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences to join Dr. Mahavir B. Chougule’s research group—the Ingenious Biopharma-engineered Drugs and Biologics Delivery Laboratory (iBD-2 Lab)—at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy, located at 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.Ideal Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate will hold a B.S., B.Sc. (Pharm), B.E., M.S., or PharmD in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field. Preference will be given to applicants who have earned a degree from a North American university.

• For international applicants (from countries where English is not the primary language), a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 7.5 is required.
• A strong academic background, including a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• GRE scores: at least the 40th percentile in verbal reasoning and 60th percentile in quantitative reasoning are preferred.

Research Focus:
Dr. Chougule’s interdisciplinary research program focuses on developing targeted delivery systems for the co-delivery of therapeutic agents—including small molecules, siRNA, miRNA, anti-miRNA, oligonucleotides, proteins, and immunomodulatory antigens—via nano- and microparticle-based formulations. Applications include treatment strategies for COVID-19, asthma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.Research Expertise and Achievements:
Dr. Chougule brings over 20 years of research experience across academic, research institute, and pharmaceutical industry settings. His work has been consistently funded by the NIH, pharmaceutical industry sponsors, and nonprofit organizations since 2010. His achievements include:

• 10 patents
• 42 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals
• 16 review articles, 15 book chapters, and 3 editorial articles
• 34 invited lectures and over 100 scientific posters
• Mentorship of 13 Ph.D. students, 6 master’s students, 19 PharmD/pharmacy students, 13 postdoctoral fellows, 4 undergraduate students, and 4 high school students
• Recipient of the Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation and three national AACR Scholar Awards

Research Program Mission:
Our mission is to design innovative drug and biologic delivery strategies immediate-release and extended-release formulations for parenteral, inhaled, and oral applications—to treat lung cancer, asthma, COVID-19, pulmonary hypertension, and hypertension.Research areas include:

• Bio-stimuli-responsive delivery systems using natural or engineered lipids/polymers
• Targeted nano- and microparticle-based therapies for lung and breast cancers
• Bio-inspired polymeric nanoparticles for combination therapies
• Nanoparticle-mediated targeting of miRNA or anti-miRNA for pulmonary diseases

Our lab integrates advanced methods in developing drug and/or biologic-loaded nano or microparticulate formulations, physicochemical characterization, in vitro assays, and in vivo pharmacokinetic and efficacy studies. Candidate Qualifications:

• Strong laboratory and data analysis skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
Applicants with international credentials must submit a course-by-course evaluation by a professional credentialing service, including a GPA assessment and U.S. degree equivalency.If you are passionate about advancing scientific research and aspire to make a meaningful impact in drug discovery and delivery, we strongly encourage you to apply.Application Information:
For complete Ph.D. program application details, prerequisites, and requirements, please visit:Contact:
Dr. Mahavir B. Chougule
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta, GA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (678) 547-6248
Faculty Profile: https://pharmacy.mercer.edu/faculty/chougule/Lab Profile: https://pharmacy.mercer.edu/faculty/chougule/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahavir-b-chougule-05912514/Job Type: Full-timePay: $22,000.00 – $24,000.00 per yearEducation:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Atlanta, GA 30341 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Atlanta, GA 30341: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person