Research Fellow, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

JOB SUMMARY

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) seeks an innovative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead cutting-edge research in advanced organ-on-a-chip technology development. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to drive forward transformative research in predictive toxicology and therapeutic countermeasure development using sophisticated bioengineered tissue platforms.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will spearhead the development and validation of novel human airway and skin organ-on-a-chip (OTE) models for evaluating chemical-induced tissue fibrosis. This pioneering work integrates multi-omics analysis, machine learning applications, and advanced tissue engineering to establish new paradigms for preclinical testing and therapeutic development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex experimental protocols for OTE model development and validation
• Lead the characterization of tissue responses using advanced multi-omics approaches
• Develop and optimize protocols for chemical exposure studies
• Integrate machine learning methodologies for predictive modeling
• Establish correlations between in vitro models and human disease states
• Author peer-reviewed publications and technical reports
• Mentor junior researchers and technical staff
• Present findings at scientific conferences
• Contribute to grant writing and project planning

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Cell Biology, Tissue Engineering, or related field
• Strong background in regenerative Medicine or organ-on-chip technology
• Expertise in cell culture and advanced biological assay development
• Demonstrated publication record in relevant fields
• Excellence in experimental design and data analysis
• Strong leadership and communication skills

Desired Experience

• Multi-omics data analysis
• Machine learning applications in biological systems
• Microfluidic system design
• Biomaterials characterization
• Experience with regulatory science
• Project management capabilities

This position offers unique opportunities to

• Lead innovative research with direct therapeutic applications
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and technologies
• Collaborate with leading experts in regenerative medicine
• Develop translational research skills
• Build an independent research program

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment focused on advancing alternative testing methods for chemical safety assessment and therapeutic development. This position provides an excellent foundation for career advancement in academia, industry, or regulatory science.

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

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 toward