Come join the team of researchers who were the first in the world to engineer human organs in the laboratory that were successfully implanted in patients! Driven by the urgent needs of patients all over the world, these scientists are translating scientific discoveries into clinical therapies by applying their expertise to develop cell therapies and replacement tissues and organs for more than 40 different areas of the body. From the bench to the bedside, the Institute has successfully used 14 applications of regenerative medicine technology in human patients.
If regenerative medicine, biotechnology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomaterials, physiology, etc, are where your interests are and if you have the academic background and/or work experience to join the best of the best, the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine would like to talk with you. You will become a vital member of a dynamic research team in one of the world’s leading regenerative medicine institutions that is working to change and improve lives through translational research.
One research project we are hiring for is related to a major research funding award from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Health and Human Services, to support our lung-on-a-chip technology as a model to develop chemical injury treatments. Researchers will use the funding to validate how WFIRM’s lung-on-a-chip technology works in modeling the effects of chlorine gas - deemed a potential national security threat – on human lungs and to develop treatments. This model can be engineered to reflect both normal and diseased tissue and includes innate immune system responsiveness, and accurate and reproducible response to drugs and toxins.
WFIRM experts in regenerative medicine will work with Precision Medicine colleagues with expertise in genomics to identify the effects of chlorine gas and other toxic agents on the lungs and to determine the usefulness of the organoid in developing treatments for the resulting lung injuries.
The Institute typically has openings in the following areas:
We need strong candidates who will be highly motivated, and will have exceptional scientific creativity, good organizational skills, and effective communication skills (written and oral). The applicant should have the ability to work both independently to design and conduct experiments, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with team members inside and outside the immediate lab environment. Evidence of productivity in regards to publications, funding applications and research achievements is required. The position offers a competitive salary and exposure to a rich and highly collaborative scientific environment.
Relevant experience in one or more of the following categories is also desirable.
- 3D cell culture, organoid fabrication and characterization, disease modeling
- Biochemistry, biomaterial chemistry, hydrogels development
- Microfluidic development for biological applications, fluid (gas/liquid) modeling and control
- Chemical, biochemical and biological sampling, assay development and standardization
At varying levels of skill and experience, and under a general supervision plan, lab techs develop, modify, and implement previously developed and original experimental procedures in the research.
Responsibilities include:
- Perform routine and non-routine tests and analyses using the appropriate technical equipment and instruments
- Receive or collect, as well as process, samples
- Calculate test results, and log and report results with appropriate graphing and statistical software
- Prepare and supervise experiments
- Perform quality control and calibrate equipment if necessary
- Maintain equipment in proper working order and maintain a clean work area
- Practice safe work habits, including complying with all safety, health, and environmental rules and regulations
Minimum Qualifications for Lab Technician
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required, associate's or Bachelor's degree in a scientific field preferred
- 1-2 years of experience working in a lab
- Computer skills: knowledge of Microsoft Office and other relevant computer programs
- Analytical and numerical skills: ability to perform mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in different units of measurement; ability to use concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to write correspondence and reports
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to perform physically demanding work such as moving and lifting equipment, standing for long periods of time, etc.
Desired skills or Expertise
- Cell culture, primary cell isolation and characterization, 3D culture methodology
- Biochemistry, chemistry, biomaterials
- Engineering, microfluidics, fluid (gas/liquid) engineering
- Performance of chemical, biochemical and biological assays
- Experience with transcriptomics, proteomics or metabolomics
Next Steps
To be considered: Send a cover letter detailing interest, a current CV and two letters of recommendation to Terri Bowen at tbowen@wakehealth.edu
Applicants must have authorization to work in the U.S.