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Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory has a number of proprietary microfluidic biomarker assays, including blood cell adhesion, red blood cell deformability, whole blood rheology, and endothelialized microfluidics. Our assays can be utilized for testing the efficacy of emerging targeted and curative therapies in sickle cell disease as well as for clinical monitoring of patients in terms of response to therapy.

We are seeking a results-oriented team player with an interest in translational organ-on-chip systems. The researcher will be responsible for leading activities in standardization and validation of our proprietary endothelialized microfluidic platforms. This role will entail optimizing flow characteristics within the microfluidic system as well as standardizing human endothelial cell culture under flow to minimize intra-assay variations. The researcher will be expected to have a can-do attitude and be able to generate innovative ideas and solutions for assay optimization.

This position is supported by federal grants (i.e., NSF, NIH). The researcher will work directly with nationally recognized experts in microfluidic biosensors, red blood cell research, and vascular biology. The researcher can anticipate participating in multiple publications as well as presentations at national meetings. During the course of this project, the researcher will gain a wide spectrum of skills that will be of value to him/her in their future career in either academia or industry.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Perform research related to perfusion culture of endothelial cells in microfluidic channels.
• Design and conduct experiments, analyze the results, and report to the upper management
• Mentor the work of supporting researchers and research assistants, perform troubleshooting, be willing to train other personnel, including lab technicians and interns
• Conduct hands-on experiments under biosafety level-2 laboratory environment including blood sample preparation, cell culture, and DNA & RNA extraction
• Take initiatives when necessary and provide intellectual contributions to decision-making processes
• Collaborate with external researchers and PIs and exhibit an interdisciplinary mindset to further the research
• Contribute to writing scientific papers, conference abstracts, and grant proposals
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills with colleagues and supervisors via research meetings, presentations, and technical reports
• Perform general maintenance activities at the laboratory
• Accurately completes and maintains a variety of reports as required by local, state, and federal regulations
• Maintains a quality assurance program that meets the requirements of the Lab Director or various regulators
• Perform other duties related to the position as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, or other related disciplines
• Excellent track record of productivity in graduate school (i.e, publications, fellowships, conference abstracts, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability of problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong background in microfabrication, fluid mechanics, microfluidics, and mammalian cell culture
• Must have experience in data analysis using tools such as Python, R, Minitab, Matlab
• Exhibit a working knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions at all times