image: headshot of Jason McCarthy, Ph.D.
Credit: MMRI
UTICA, N.Y. – Jason McCarthy, Ph.D., has been promoted to the rank of professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at the MMRI, recognizing his significant contributions since joining the organization in 2018. Dr. McCarthy has been instrumental in advancing medical research as a key faculty member at MMRI and as a member of its senior leadership team, serving as the scientific operations director.
"Dr. McCarthy's promotion underscores MMRI's growing reputation as a leader in biomedical research," said Maria Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine of MMRI. "We are proud of his achievements and excited for the continued success of his lab's innovative work, which is critical to our mission."
McCarthy earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, in 2003. Later, he joined the Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, Massachusetts, as a Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (T32) postdoctoral fellow under the direction of Dr. Ralph Weissleder. In 2006, Dr. McCarthy was appointed as an instructor in radiology at Harvard Medical School and established his research group, which subsequently moved to the Center for Systems Biology at the MGH in 2007, where he was promoted to assistant professor of radiology in 2010. He was recruited to MMRI as an associate professor and as scientific operations manager in 2018.
Over the past decade, his research has become diverse, including the development of imaging agents for detecting molecular processes in vivo and the delivery of drug moieties in a cell-specific manner. Dr. McCarthy aims to push the boundaries of nanomedicine, potentiating novel treatment options for an untold number of diseases.
Among his many accomplishments is his 2024 groundbreaking publication in the prestigious scientific journal Advanced Materials, detailing a novel approach to minimizing damage after a heart attack.
"It's a tremendous honor to work and be recognized at MMRI," said Dr. McCarthy. "My research has always focused on finding new ways to diagnose and treat disease, and I look forward to continuing our cutting-edge investigations aimed at enhancing human health."
In addition to his faculty role, Dr. McCarthy serves as MMRI's scientific operations director, a leadership position where he has been a key force in the Institute's progress. His accomplishments include helping to lead a multi-million-dollar facility renovation, contributing to the recruitment of world-renowned principal investigators, and establishing vital community and academic partnerships.
Dr. McCarthy is also deeply engaged in regional academic and innovation leadership. He is the secretary of the board of directors for Three Pillars Innovation, Inc.; a member of the External Advisory Board for the Biomedical Materials Committee and the Advisory Board for the Biology Program at SUNY Polytechnic Institute; a member of the Medical Biotechnology Program Advisory Board at SUNY Upstate Medical University; and a member of the School to Career Programs Advisory Board for the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES. He also holds a voluntary adjunct professor of Arts and Sciences position at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Dr. McCarthy has also served on numerous grant review panels, including those of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
To learn more about Dr. McCarthy’s laboratory, visit mmri.edu.