Lead Research Scientist - Tissue Engineering & Microphysiology

South Dakota Board of Regents; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Mines is seeking a Research Scientist IV to lead experimental biomedical research, mentor student researchers, and advance tissue engineering and soft matter characterization.

The role includes developing TECCL and SoMa facilities, overseeing budgets, and serving as PI/Co-PI on funded projects, with a focus on microphysiological systems and translational research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of related experience in research settings.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental research.
• Advise student researchers and disseminate findings via publications and conferences.
• Develop and manage tissue engineering and cell culture facilities and oversee budgets.
• Coordinate grant writing and management; participate as PI/Co-PI on grants.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Tissue engineering

Endocytosis

Mechanotransduction

Cell viability

Viral transfection

Inflammatory screening

Polymeric materials

Rheology

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Stereolithography

Additive manufacturing

Extrusion

Electrospinning

Job description

Department SDSMT-Karen M. Swindler Chemical and Biological Engineering 1

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City

Posting Text

The Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at South Dakota Mines is seeking applications for a Research Scientist IV, benefited position at 100% effort. This position will be responsible for designing and executing experimental research, advising student researchers, disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conference presentations, and contributing to the identification and preparation of funding proposals.

The candidate will be developing and managing the new Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture Laboratory ( TECCL ) as well as the Soft Matter (SoMa) Characterization Facility, overseeing budget, and serving as PI/Co-PI on research grants and contracts. This position will make continued progress in our effort to investigate tissue engineering, cell culture, materials science, microfluidics, vasculature, and soft-matter characterization, including investigations of process-structure-property-performance relations, such as our work on the deleterious effects of radiation in a human microphysiological platform. Other responsibilities will include overseeing growth of the biomedical science and engineering research in the unit, coordinating outreach efforts, and building and disseminating teaching modules.

Qualifications:

A PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field is required, along with at least 5 years of related experience. The applicant should have expertise in mammalian cell culture and tissue engineering, including endocytosis, mechanotransduction, cell viability, viral transfection, cytotoxicity screening, inflammatory screening, cell compatibility, and modified media formulation. Additionally, the applicant should have expertise in advanced materials characterization, advanced manufacturing (e.g., CAD , stereolithography, additive manufacturing, extrusion, or electrospinning) of polymeric materials, thin-film coatings (e.g., dip coating, blade coating), organic polymer synthesis, rheology (e.g., rotational, extensional, intrinsic), particle characterization (e.g., zeta sizing, DLS ), microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, DIC , phase contrast, AFM , FLIM - FRET , SEM ), and/or polymer processing and characterization (e.g., MTD , MFI , DSC , TGA ). Extensive understanding of design and utilization of microphysiological systems is preferred. Experience leading large teams, mentoring at various levels, coordinating outreach efforts, teaching, grant writing, grant management, and dissemination (i.e., oral presenting and manuscript writing) are also preferred.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu . South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at [phone] or [e-mail] . Review of applications will begin August 31, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, full curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference). The cover letter should briefly describe your interest in the position and summarize the qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate.

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/17/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 08/31/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary Salary commensurate with candidate’s experience

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100%

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Faculty Status

Faculty Status No

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

This position requires No Requirement

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment.

Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

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Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing

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Physical Requirements

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Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Sitting for sustained periods of time, Repetitive Motion

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Sensory Requirements

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Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.

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Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Public Job Posting
  • Internal Job Posting
  • Agency Referral
  • Advertisement/Publication
  • Personal Referral
  • Website
  • Other
• Please attach a cover letter, full curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference). The cover letter should briefly describe your interest in the position and summarize the qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate.

  (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List
Optional Documents

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.


Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455