Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Orthopaedic Infection Research

1300 Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. invites applications for a full-time post-doctoral research fellow in the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory at Mass General Brigham. The appointment focuses on polymeric and hybrid materials for orthopaedics, translational research, and antibacterial device development.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering with strong microbiology and molecular biology skills; experience with

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering.
• Strong background in Microbiology and Molecular Biology.
• Experience with host-pathogen studies and transcriptomics preferred.
• Familiarity with BSL2 lab safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Establish polymicrobial and monomicrobial cultures related to infections.
• Characterize bacteria using conventional and advanced techniques.
• Assess antibiotic resistance, tolerance and virulence.
• Establish cell cultures and perform molecular/biochemical assays.
• Molecular characterization of pathogens and host responses (DNA/RNA, Real-time PCR, RNA-Seq).
• Utilize advanced microscopy (fluorescence, confocal, live, SEM/TEM).
• Conduct bacterial transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses.
• Study host-pathogen interactions in vitro and in vivo models.
• Perform drug susceptibility testing and antibacterial studies.
• Design in-vitro periprosthetic joint infection models for preclinical work.
• Supervise biomedical research engineers and collaborate on device formulation.
• Liaise with team members and collaborators for preclinical studies.

Skills

Microbiology of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

gram-negative bacteria

BSL2 lab safety practices

host-pathogen studies

transcriptomics

Education

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Job description

Site: Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary The pioneering efforts of the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory have positively impacted the quality of life of millions of patients through innovation and evidence-based medicine since its inception in 1969. The mission of the laboratory is to improve patient outcomes through materials science and translational research with an emphasis on orthopaedic applications. Our is lab is a hub for scientists and engineers looking to make an impact in medicine. Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory is focused on the development of polymeric and hybrid materials for applications in orthopaedics. Ebru Oral, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/1013 is looking to hire a fulltime post-doctoral research fellow for a 3-4 year appointment. The laboratory is a focal point in the orthopedic research community for development of new materials and test methods for total joint replacements, which are implanted in over 2 million patients in the US alone each year. This is a great opportunity for scientists looking to apply their basic knowledge in translational research. The development of antibacterial controlled release devices is a current focus for addressing periprosthetic joint infection. The laboratory is involved in the conception of materials, development of application processes, characterization for the appropriate clinical indication and the safety and efficacy testing in pre-clinical disease and surgery models.

Responsibilities

• Establishment of monomicrobial and polymicrobial cultures relevant to musculoskeletal and implant associated infections (mainly Staphylococci)
• Physical and biochemical characterization of bacteria (planktonic and biofilms) using conventional bacteriological techniques, microplate-based assays, flow cytometry, and VITEK-based high throughput technology.
• Antibiotic resistance, tolerance, and virulence characterization
• Establishing cell cultures and associated molecular and biochemical assays.
• Molecular characterization of pathogens and host responses using DNA/RNA extraction, Real-time PCR, NGS Library prep and RNA-Seq
• Advanced Microscopy including Fluorescence imaging, Confocal imaging, Live imaging, and Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM)
• Bacterial transcriptomics and associated bioinformatic analyses for in-depth biofilm characterization.
• Host-pathogen interactions using in vitro and in vivo models.
• Drug susceptibility testing (MIC/MBC/MBEC) and antibacterial/anticolonization studies of material surfaces.
• Design and method development of in-vitro periprosthetic joint infection models and support preclinical in-vivo experiments to characterize bacteria from periprosthetic tissues and retrieved implant materials.
• Supervising biomedical research engineers in experimental work and presentation
• Working with other team members and collaborators supporting delivery device formulation and preclinical studies for safety and efficacy.

Skills/Abilities/Qualifications

We are interested in interviewing experienced candidates with a strong background in Microbiology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and gram-negative bacteria with good knowledge of BSL2 lab safety practices. Candidate with experience in establishing in-vitro models for host-pathogen studies and performing bacterial and/or host transcriptomics are preferred. Familiarity with analytical chemistry and polymer synthesis methods is a plus.

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering. Strong background in Microbiology and Molecular Biology is required.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The compensation range for this role is between $$71,750 - $81,179. Candidate experience is thoughtfully considered throughout the recruitment process, and those with significant experience may be considered for compensation above the starting range listed, as consistent with organizational guidelines and internal equity Years of experience 0 $71,750 - $73,544 1 $73,544 - $75,382 2 $75,382 - $77,267 3 $77,267 - $79,199 4+ $79,199 - $81,179 Remote Type Onsite Work Location 80 Blossom Street

EEO Statement

1300 Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Company Culture

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline. Combat disease. Hold a hand. Help people. Impact the world. Mass General Brigham is a passionate, welcoming community where minds meet caring hearts. Come be a part of the world’s most powerful force in medicine, where every role is important in changing lives. Are you ready? Our history includes New England hospitals founded over 200 years ago, some of the first and most prestigious hospitals in the world. Built on the legacy of two leading academic medical centers, we’re more than a system—we’re leaders in the practice of medicine. Mass General Brigham is committed to serving the community. We are dedicated to enhancing patient care, teaching and research, and taking a leadership role as an integrated health care system. We recognize that increasing value and continuously improving quality are essential to maintaining excellence.