Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Orthopaedic Infection Research

Mass General Brigham Incorporated; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham Incorporated seeks a full-time post-doctoral research fellow for the Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory in Boston. The role focuses on translational research in polymeric materials for orthopaedics and periprosthetic joint infection models.

Responsibilities include establishing infection models, characterizing bacteria and host responses, advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and preclinical support, with supervision of engineers and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• BSL-2 lab safety practices knowledge required.
• PhD in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering with strong microbiology background.
• Experience with host-pathogen studies and transcriptomics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish monomicrobial and polymicrobial cultures relevant to musculoskeletal infections.
• Characterize bacteria (planktonic and biofilms) using microscopy and standard assays.
• Assess antibiotic resistance, tolerance and virulence.
• Establish cell cultures and perform molecular/biochemical assays.
• Perform molecular characterization of pathogens and host responses (DNA/RNA, RT-PCR, RNA-Seq).
• Utilize advanced microscopy including fluorescence, confocal, live imaging, and electron microscopy.
• Conduct bioinformatics analyses on bacterial transcriptomics for biofilm studies.
• Study host-pathogen interactions in in vitro and in vivo models.
• Test drug susceptibility and antibacterial properties of material surfaces.
• Assist in designing in vitro periprosthetic joint infection models and support preclinical studies.
• Supervise biomedical research engineers and collaborate across teams.

Skills

Microbiology

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Gram-negative bacteria

BSL-2 safety

Flow cytometry

VITEK

Electron microscopy

Real-time PCR

Education

PhD in Biological Sciences

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Flow cytometry

VITEK

Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM)

Real-time PCR

Job description

## Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Orthopaedic Infection ResearchApply: Onsite: Boston-MA: Full time: Posted Today: RQ4076799Site: 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.**Qualifications****HOW TO APPLY:** Please submit your resume and cover letter to [e-mail] by October 15, 2026. We will review applications as we receive them. Anticipated start date: December 1, 2025.**This is a courtesy posting. Please do not submit your application through the Workday \"Apply\" button.****To be considered for this position, email your CV and cover letter to the hiring manager by clicking the link below.**** Click Here to Email Your Application***Applications submitted only through Workday will not be forwarded to the hiring manager and may not be reviewed.***The post-doctoral fellow will be responsible for:**-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 equityYears 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.