Research Lab Technician IV, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is recognized as an international leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies. Physicians and scientists at WFIRM were the first in the world to engineer laboratory-grown organs that were successfully implanted into humans. Today, this interdisciplinary team that numbers about 400 is working to engineer more than 40 different replacement tissues and organs, and to develop healing cell therapies – all with the goal to cure, rather than merely treat, disease. 

We are currently recruiting for all skill levels in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, computer sciences and engineering, to join a multidisciplinary team in a cutting edge program that marries the fields of organs on a chip with 3D Bioprinting, regenerative medicine, and machine learning and artificial intelligence.  This project is focused on protecting our Warfighters and Nation against threat agents by utilizing state of the art organs on a chip.  Studying the pathogenesis of these threat agents will allow us to understand changes occurring at the molecular level, which will serve as learning data sets for computer algorithms and enable predictive modeling of threat agents.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the research lab tech IV plans, develops, modifies, and implements previously developed and original experimental procedures in a research laboratory, exercising independent judgment based upon specialized theoretical knowledge of the applicable science. Provides direction and guidance to technicians and staff in the laboratory.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in the Biological and/or Physical Sciences with four years of related chemical/research experience. Master's degree in Biology or related Physical Science with two years of laboratory experience preferred. 

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written directions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of the maintenance of routine records and reports
• Ability to learn elementary laboratory techniques and safety precautions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Consults with principal investigator in the planning, developing, and implementation of clinical/research projects.
2. Develops control procedures for test standardization.
3. Develops experimental techniques for specimen and tissue analyses utilized in complex laboratory procedures.
4. Reviews scientific journals, abstracts, and other research literature to obtain or verify additional information used in the design and development of original procedures or techniques related to the research/clinical projects.
5. Prepares detailed reports on the results of experiments, discusses with principal investigator the interpretation of the results, and collaborates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication.
6. Supervises and coordinates the operation, training, and staffing of laboratory activities. Schedules and determines work priorities.
7. Maintains facilities and equipment supplies.
8. Develops and establishes laboratory work procedures, methods, and policies.
9. Interviews technical applicants, recommends employee selection and related personnel actions.
10. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Research laboratory environment
• Exposure to chemicals
• Exposure to glass and other breakable objects
• Possible exposure to animals
• Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• May be required to work hours beyond typical 8 a.m.-5 p.m. schedule and/or evenings and weekends as needed

Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise. 

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combinati