Careers

Data Scientist

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is looking to recruit a faculty member with proven expertise in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). Experience in computational methods, mathematical modeling, and informatics applied to biological systems would be preferred. It is expected that the new recruit will have the ability to establish his/her research program and team through independent research funding, as well as collaborations with other WFIRM's faculty members and their projects. The new faculty member will be operating in a multidisciplinary environment so a willingness to collaborate across functional teams is essential. He/She should have an aptitude and desire to learn and apply new techniques and is expected to possess personal attributes of integrity, creativity, problem solving, and a strong work ethic.

WFIRM is a multidisciplinary group of physicians and research scientist involved in a myriad of programs focused on bringing curative medicines to the patient. In addition to our world class regenerative medical programs, WFIRM is recognized as a leader in the organ-on-a-chip platform as well as pushing the boundaries of tissue engineering. Through its relationship with Virginia Tech School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, WFIRM is involved in developing solutions over the entire spectrum of regenerative medicine. In short, WFIRM is an unique environment ripe with opportunities for applying AI/ML across a diverse set of scientific disciplines.

Successful candidates will be responsible for some or all of the following:

• Design, develop, and validate new machine learning models that can uncover and describe the relationship between genetic and genomic variation, cellular phenotypes, and clinical conditions and symptoms.
• Design, develop, and validate new methods for characterizing variation in large cellular populations assayed in high-throughput, multi-dimensional assays.
• Design and integrate new computational methods, mathematical models, and bioinformatics approaches with molecular assays at the bench to provide mechanistic understandings of development and regeneration, discover therapies, and streamline the application of systems and synthetic biology.
• Develop computational approaches rooted in machine learning to make precise biological inferences that can not only guide experiments, but also reveal general mechanistic principles underlying cellular organization and molecular networks.
• Work in a highly collaborative and cross-disciplinary team to advance technology platforms aimed at delivering robust, quantitative, mechanistic, and scalable research and clinical benefit.
• Developing methodologies to leverage R&D data and artificial intelligence to connect different components; patients, tissues, in vitro models and in vivo models, in translational research.
• Develop, implement, and validate the application and use of modern machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques – applying robust statistical and quantitative methods for the design of experiments – to allow rigorous model evaluation, uncertainty quantification, prediction, and data generation.
• Integrate advances in diverse fields of machine learning and computer science into modern analytics infrastructure and workflows.

Essential Education and Expertise:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology, Physics or related field with a focus in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence
• Expertise demonstrated by research publications or industrial experience in modern, applied machine learning, data mining, pattern recognition, or artificial intelligence. Direct experience with and application to the analysis of complex biological datasets and phenomena is ideal.
• Excellent communication skills are a must
• Ability to comfortably interact with diverse group of scientists and physicians
• Practical and theoretical understanding of fundamental models and algorithms in supervised and unsupervised learning: generalized linear models, kernel machines, decision trees, neural networks; boosting and model aggregation; clustering and mixture modeling; Bayesian inference and model selection, variational inference, Gaussian processes, causal inference, Monte Carlo methods; dimensionality reduction and manifold learning
• Competency in programming and scripting required utilizing languages such as C/C++ and Python.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to administer all educational and employment activities without discrimination because of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification or a statutory requirement) in accordance with all local, state, national laws, executive orders, regulations, and guidelines.

NEW: Open Position

Job Summary

The WFIRM Postdoctoral Research Fellow will participate in a research project to develop and test new strategies to advance lung-on-a-chip technologies for the modeling of disease, toxicology and countermeasure/drug development. The applicant will perform a variety of complex tasks including polymer chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, material mechanical testing, computer assisted design, in vitro biological and functional tests for verification of tissue construct viability and function and biochemical, engineering and functional assays.  

Research will be performed in a team environment and the application will be provided with a variety of procedures and techniques previously outlined by established protocols and other scientific data related to the production of tissue engineered constructs.  

Specific duties will include basic and advanced chemistry protocols, cell culture and expansion, biomaterial characterization, physical characterization of biomaterials, assembly of 3D constructs using biofabrication and bioprinting techniques, collection and organization of data, and assisting in the preparation of reports and manuscripts. Chemistry, engineering, and cell biology experience a plus, or biomaterials/materials and tissue engineering background a plus. 

Education/Experience: PhD with a focus in the biological, chemical, engineering or physical sciences, or biomedical engineering.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques. 
• Experience in chemical reactions and polymer chemistry.
• Experience with development and testing of tissue engineering constructs
• Experience in biofabrication and tissue engineering technologies such as bioprinting, for creation of tissue engineered constructs.  
• Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science background a plus.
• General computer skills, including the use of Excel spreadsheets
• Attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Time management
• Excellent record-keeping and documentation skills

Work Environment

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is a world leader in the development of technologies and products in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.  WFIRM is an interdisciplinary institute, with a semi-open laboratory concept aimed towards fostering collaboration in a variety of research areas. WFIRM occupies several floors in the Richard H. Dean Biomedical Building in the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem.  

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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 

Program Director III - Regulatory Affairs- Preclinical

This position is responsible for the strategy and oversight of the Regulatory Affairs Non-Clinical development function. This position will support the expanding pipeline of products in development from a regulatory perspective. This individual will provide leadership and work closely with other areas within the institute. This includes the development and implementation of regulatory strategy, ensuring timely preparation for the Non-Clinical Section of an IND, review and submission of documents to regulatory authorities, and maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

A strong background in Regulatory Toxicology and pre-clinical animal studies including knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs),  guidelines, experience interacting with Regulatory Authorities, and authorship of Regulatory Correspondences is required. The successful candidate will serve as a resource to team members for the regulatory requirements to conduct development activities for regenerative medicine products and have a minimum of 5 years' experience with FDA in an applicable role. Responsibilities will also include subject matter expertise relating to preclinical pharmacology, toxicology and ADME sections of regulatory documents to include INDs (Biologics & Drugs), IDEs and other regulatory submissions and responses, as needed.

In this position the successful candidate will be responsible for driving the development of innovative preclinical/non-clinical regulatory strategies and the reparation and submission of high-quality non-clinical sections of INDs in close collaboration with our scientists and in-house RMCC Process/Product Development, Manufacturing and Quality Teams, and Collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Represent the non-clinical regulatory function on cross-functional development teams.
• Provide regulatory guidance and strategy including identifying and assessing regulatory risks, mitigations, and contingencies in non-clinical effort.
• Plan, prepare and review non-clinical sections to regulatory authorities to support FDA INTERACT program, Pre-IND, Pre-IDE and early phase clinical trials.
• Lead and oversee non-clinical regulatory activities for assigned projects other applicable requirements to ensure compliance.
• Manage the non-clinical regulatory aspects of products and projects including achievement of timelines and deliverables.
• Ensure that regulatory documents are accurate, complete and verifiable, and confirm compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor, analyze, and disseminate intelligence on non-clinical regulatory matters that may affect ongoing development programs.
• Provide interpretation of and advice regarding non-clinical regulations, directives, and guidance. Prepare meeting requests, briefing documents, coordinate and prepare teams for meetings, and interface with regulatory authorities; be primary liaison with regulatory authorities for day-to¬ day interactions
• Coordinate and prepare non-clinical responses to requests for information from regulatory authorities
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Non-Clinical/Preclinical Regulatory Affairs.
• Provide Non-Clinical regulatory strategy in design of non-clinical development programs leading to IND enabling studies.
• Determine overall Non-clinical regulatory strategy regarding early stage clinical protocol development.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure non-clinical development programs are aligned with for early stage Clinical Trials.
• Develop and execute sound non-clinical regulatory decisions and justifications
• Comply with all pertinent SOPs and GLP regulations.
• Represent Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in a professional manner, foster a cooperative and team relationship with partner organizations.
  

Qualifications

• PhD/PharmD or DVM in a scientific discipline preferred along with at least 5 years of experience in industry relate<i Regulatory Affairs and 5 years' experience at the FDA in an applicable position.
• Knowledge and understanding of non-clinical global regulations and guidelines
• Previous experience in the preparation and submission of non-clinical regulatory documents
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks
• Excellent organizational, computer and documentation skills and an ability to prioritize effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication are essential in this collaborative work environment
• Proven regulatory leadership experience in a cross-functional role with non-clinical product development experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of non-clinical development.
• Strong knowledge and interest in the evolving landscape of novel clinical development programs.
• Oversight of design, conduct, interpretation, and reporting of all regulatory non-clinical studies including resulting risk assessments.
• Plan, design, and effectively manage/conduct and oversee designated toxicology programs necessary to support the selection and timely development.
• Coordinate toxicological/preclinical safety evaluations of development candidates with internal, external contract laboratories, consultants, faculty and RMCC.
• Address and resolve toxicological issues arising in drug development programs, and adequately assess the relevance of any toxicological findings to human safety.
• In depth understanding and working knowledge of regulatory toxicology, GlPs, and US and International Regulatory Guidelines
• Strong problem solver who is highly organized with the ability to thrive in an environment with rapidly changing priorities
• Advanced scientific writing skills.
• Experience in animal Pharm/Tox studies/models, including protocol design & study conduct
• Maintains a compliant work environment by staying current with SOPs and being up-to-date with existing GLP guideline

 

 

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Program Director III - Regulatory Affairs- Clinical Trials

This position is responsible for the strategy and oversight of the Regulatory Affairs for Clinical Trials. This position will support the expanding pipeline of products in early phase clinical trials from a regulatory perspective. This individual will provide leadership and work closely with other areas within the Institute. This includes the development and implementation of regulatory strategy, ensuring timely preparation for Clinical Trial Design in an IND, review and submission of documents to regulatory authorities, and maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
 
A strong background in the Regulations and Design of Clinical Trials for Regenerative Medicine Products including knowledge and understanding of GMP, GTP, GCP, ICH Guidelines, experience interacting with Regulatory Authorities, and authorship of Regulatory Correspondences is required. The successful candidate will serve as a resource to team members for the regulatory requirements to conduct development activities for regenerative medicine products beginning or advancing in clinical trials and have a minimum of 5 years' experience with FDA in an applicable role. Responsibilities will also include subject matter expertise in regulatory documents to include: INDs (Biologics & Drugs), IDEs and other regulatory submissions and responses, as needed.
 
In this position the successful candidate will be responsible for driving the development of innovative clinical trials regulatory strategies and the preparation and submission of high-quality clinical sections of INDs in close collaboration with our in-house RMCC Process/Product Development, Manufacturing and Quality Teams, Faculty, and Collaborators.
 
Responsibilities:

• Leadership regarding clinical research projects, programs, and initiatives. Develop and implement research goals for a clinical trial for a department or institute providing services to multiple faculty
• Provide oversight and guidance on compliance with local, federal and international regulations on clinical trial conduct.
• Provide direction to PI's, Clinical Research Managers, funding and resources in order to meet the needs of overall clinical research group.
• Clarify and resolve issues with substantial significance and impact, which may span multiple areas, using advanced clinical trials operations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) knowledge.
• Provide direction for the clinical sites to establish protocol development.  Review clinical practices, case report forms, and reports.
• Serve as a liaison to external organizations/agencies (FDA, NIH, Hospitals). Negotiate and establish external resource contracts.
• Provide leadership and coordinate assigned multi-site or large-scale clinical trials research studies conducted by a supervising principal investigator/s in support of actives that meet objectives of assigned research protocol(s).
• Access protocols internally, evaluate documentation for feasibility, conduct, and compliance. Provide expertise to improve protocol quality and completeness. 
• Administer the budget, assign resources accordingly and assist with grant budget proposals related to clinical trials
• Ensure clinical trials are conducted according to the approved protocol, GCP, FDA/ JCH guidelines, federal and state regulations and Research standard operating procedures.
• Adhere to HIPAA Guidelines and maintain strict confidentiality in the conduct of clinical trials
• Protect patient's rights, safety and welfare
• Responsible for administration and accountability of investigational product
• Provide accurate and detailed documentation per study protocol to ensure data integrity
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of hypothesis-generating and experience In hypothesis-testing scientific research project
• Experience with improving quality, implementing metrics, and reporting results for clinical trials
• Proven track record of success across all phases of Clinical trials, proven success record in clinical trial design and protocol writing required. Filing experience highly advantageous.
• Experience in Cellular and Gene Therapies or Tissue Engineered Products strongly preferred and a strong grasp of this field is essential.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and guidelines related to IND and first in human trials is essential.
• Experience in interactions with FDA personnel required including historic success achieving successful outcomes with global regulatory bodies is required, experience working with both CBER, CDRH and COER is strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in early stage development, first in human clinical trial design, and translational medicine. 
  

Qualifications:

• MD/PhD preferred plus five years of relevant experience with FDA.
• 5 years' experience in clinical development associated with clinical trials.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-site or large-scale clinical trials research.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others, collaborate and build relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Project management experience in a research environment.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge and experience including Good Clinical Practices, and Conduct of Clinical Research Studies.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills. WORK STANDARDS:
• Ensure consistency and adherence to clinical research guidelines, compliance with good clinical practices, good manufacturing practices and regulatory guidelines.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with colleagues and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety:  Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable policies and procedures.

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Program Director III - CMC Regulatory Affairs

 
This position is responsible for the CMC Regulatory Affairs, which includes providing strategic and operational leadership in the development and execution of the CMC.
 
This position will support the expanding pipeline of products in development and manufacturing from a regulatory perspective.  The successful candidate will provide leadership and work closely within The Regenerative Medicine Clinical Center and other areas within the Institute. This includes the development and implementation of regulatory strategy, ensuring timely preparation for the CMC Section of an IND, review and submission of documents to regulatory authorities, and maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
 
The successful candidate will serve as a resource to team members for the regulatory requirements to conduct manufacturing and testing activities for regenerative medicine products and have a minimum of 3 years' experience with FDA in an applicable role.
 
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the CMC regulatory strategies and the preparation and submission of a high-quality CMC section of IND in close collaboration with our in-house RMCC Process/Product Development, Manufacturing and Quality Teams, Faculty, and Collaborators.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Regulatory Affairs:

• Work closely with the leadership team, lead the development of regulatory strategies and objectives that result in the successful Development and Manufacturing of products in clinicaltrials or regulated under 21CFR 1271. Consideration for Design Control and compliance to 21 CFR 820.
• Serve as regulatory agency contact {with the FDA and at other agencies) to achieve regulatory objectives for CMC, by fostering strong relationships and acting as a credible,reputable and effective advocate for RMCC and WFIRM.
• Serve as key point of contact in relation to managing and directing regulatory inspections.
• Keep peers and superiors apprised of expected changes to the regulatory landscape affecting existing and future products and provide strategic and tactical direction to drive efficiency and safety in the regulatory approach.
• Develop and design robust regulatory structure, processes and procedures and budget forecasting based on expert understanding and insight of future regulatory policy.
• Partner with and support product/process development and CMC including the review and submission of manufacturing in clinical protocols and regulatory documents, publications throughout the product life cycle.
• Direct long- and short-term CMC regulatory planning including structure, training, and systems requirements.

Education

• Graduate degree required, PhD preferred
• RAPS/ RAC desirable

Experience

• 15+ years' experience leading Regulatory Affairs within industry with 5 years of specific leadership and management experience and 3 years' experience in FDA associated with CMCreview.
• Experience leading the Regulatory Affairs specifically the designing, writing, and submission of regulatory filings and correspondence within a similarly complex product.

Skills/Attributes

• Strong leadership competencies and strategic business perspectives required, to ensure that sound product development, regulatory and compliance practices are followed.
• In-depth understanding of the development and life cycle management process for Regenerative Medicine Products including Biologics, Drugs, Devices and Combination Products.
• Expertise in Quality and Compliance as well as experience in managing and preparing for regulatory inspections.
• Proven interpersonal and influencing skills. This includes a demonstrated ability to use an open and supportive communication style and to work cross functionally with multiple teams.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Commitment to achieving institutional mission while maintaining the highest ethical, regulatory and scientific standards.
• An entrepreneurial, innovative, energetic, hands-on, team oriented attitude and approach.
  The ability to think strategically as well as execute project details.

 

There are currently no administrative positions available at this time.