The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is a world leader in the research and development of technologies and products in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. WFIRM is an interdisciplinary institute, with an open laboratory concept aimed towards fostering collaboration. WFIRM is located in the Richard H. Dean Building at the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem. WFIRM houses an FDA compliant facility for the development of clinical products. Fifteen applications of technologies developed by WFIRM scientists have been applied to patients.

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.

Successful candidates will be highly motivated, and will have exceptional scientific creativity, good organizational skills, and effective communication skills (written and oral). The candidate 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. 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.

• Cell culture, cell biology, organoid fabrication and characterization, disease modeling, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology
• Biochemistry, biomaterial chemistry, hydrogel development, bioengineering, materials science
• Microfluidic development for biological applications, fluid (gas/liquid) modeling and control, nanotechnology
• Chemical, biochemical and biological sampling, assay development and standardization, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, computer programming and 3D printing.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of Principal Investigators or faculty, the Research Staff Scientist performs scientific or associated work by supporting, planning, developing, implementing, evaluating, reporting, and completing more practical aspects of the work. The Research Staff Scientist may have their own research projects and/or typically have full responsibilities for specific areas of research or methodology development and user support. The Staff Scientist may have supervisory responsibility of Associate Staff Scientists, Technicians, Post-doctoral Fellows, and Graduate students.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Terminal doctoral degree in related scientific areas with five years' experience as an Associate Staff Scientist or equivalent professional experience at a similar location.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated leadership ability as a research project manager
• Ability to plan, develop and coordinate multiple projects
• Ability to participate in long-range research planning
• Ability to apply diversified knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects
• Demonstrated ability to make recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area
• Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts/articles/documents based on original research
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish self-initiated research
• Excellent oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills
• Knowledge of grants and contract preparation and management
• Comprehensive knowledge of scientific concepts and theories in area of specialty
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of the maintenance of routine records and reports
• Excellent oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment
• Knowledge of the maintenance of routine records and reports

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 Baptist Health ( www.WakeHealth.edu ) is a nationally recognized academic health system in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with an integrated enterprise including educational and research facilities, hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and other primary and specialty care facilities serving 24 counties in northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia.

It comprises: a regional clinical system with more than 300 locations, 2,100 physicians and 1,535 acute care beds; Wake Forest School of Medicine; and Wake Forest Innovations, which promotes the commercialization of research discoveries and operates Innovation Quarter, an urban research and business park specializing in biotechnology, materials science and information technology. Wake Forest Baptist’s clinical, research and educational programs are consistently ranked among the best in the country.