What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine position at Wake Forest Baptist Health?
JOB SUMMARY
T he Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) seeks an experienced Research Associate/Staff Scientist to lead innovative research in advanced organ-on-chip technology development and provide senior-level technical expertise. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to drive forward transformative research while mentoring a dynamic research team.
Research Focus: The successful candidate will lead the technical development and validation of sophisticated human airway and skin organ-on-chip (OTE) models for evaluating chemical-induced tissue fibrosis. This pioneering program integrates advanced tissue engineering, multi-omics analysis, and machine learning applications to establish new paradigms for preclinical testing and therapeutic development.
Technical Leadership Responsibilities
- Direct complex experimental workflows for OTE model development and validation
- Establish and optimize protocols for chemical exposure studies and tissue response characterization
- Lead multi-parameter analysis integrating functional assays and multi-omics approaches
- Supervise technical staff and coordinate research activities across multiple projects
- Ensure quality control and standardization of laboratory procedures
- Manage collaborations with commercial partners and clinical investigators
- Oversee equipment maintenance and laboratory operations
- Provide technical guidance and problem-solving expertise
Required Technical Expertise
- Advanced tissue engineering and/or organ-on-chip technology
- Complex cell culture systems and 3D tissue model development
- Multi-modal biological assay development and validation
- Data analysis and experimental design
- Project management and team coordination
Leadership Qualifications
- Ph.D. with significant postdoctoral experience or M.S. with extensive research experience
- Demonstrated expertise in tissue engineering or related field
- Strong track record of technical innovation and problem-solving
- Excellence in team leadership and project coordination
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
This position offers unique opportunities to
- Lead cutting-edge research with direct therapeutic applications
- Direct technical operations in a state-of-the-art facility
- Mentor and develop junior researchers
- Build collaborative relationships with industry partners
- Contribute to advancing alternative testing methods
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment focused on developing next-generation tissue models for chemical safety assessment and therapeutic development. This position provides an excellent opportunity for experienced scientists seeking to advance their careers in a leadership role while contributing to both scientific innovation and public health protection.
Education/Experience: Ph.D. with a focus in the biological, chemical, engineering or physical sciences, or biomedical engineering. Master's degree with at least eight years of relevant research experience.
SKILLS & 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 recordkeeping 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.
