Postdoc: Multiscale Organ-on-a-Chip Engineer

Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland (OH); On-site; Full time

Job description

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. This position is appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years. Compensation follows the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale based on total years of postdoctoral experience.

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale

• Years of Experience: Stipend for FY 2026
• 0: $63,480
• 1: $63,900
• 2: $64,380
• 3: $66,948
• 4: $69,180
• 5: $71,748
• 6: $74,424
• 7 or More: $77,076

Biomimetic Microengineering (BioME) Lab (PI: Hyun Jung Kim, PhD) at the Cleveland Clinic has developed a human Organ-on-a-Chip that recapitulates the host-microbiome ecosystem to model various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. By integrating patient-derived cells and microbes, we create a personalized Disease-on-a-Chip to uncover disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic strategies. We are seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to join our interdisciplinary team to work on the following projects advancing innovation in translational science, engineering, and medicine.

Principal Investigator: Hyun Jung Kim, PhD

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Inflammation and Immunity

POSITION 1: Advanced Engineering for Multiscale Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms

We are hiring dedicated candidates to advance our multiscale Organ-on-a-Chip platform, enabling scalable operations through multiple experimentation, configurable modules, and a cost-effective, reproducible design that supports strong reproducibility and replicability. The ideal candidate will have expertise in i) mechanical engineering and robotics, including precision mechatronics design for multi-scale laboratory experimentations with embedded automation, ii) 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and precision manufacturing processes for multiscale hardware development, and iii) microfluidics, microfabrication, or microengineering to integrate an engineered system with microscale biological models and implement automated system control.

POSITION 2: Microbiome-Associated Anti-Cancer Therapeutics in Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms

We seek postdoctoral researchers to investigate how gut microbes modulate immune checkpoints on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Using patient-derived CRC organoid models, we have demonstrated that live gut bacteria reduce the expression of surface immune checkpoints through an enzymatic mechanism. Successful candidates will identify the responsible microbial enzymes and elucidate their mechanism of action. Strong candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following: microbial biochemistry and enzymology; glycobiology and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes); proteomics-based target identification; protein engineering; or microbial synthetic biology. Experiences in engineering designer probiotics or liver biotherapeutics for targeted payload delivery or tumor-localized sensing are highly desirable. Candidates trained in host-microbiome biochemical interactions, glycoprotein processing, microbial physiology, or AI-assisted synthetic biology are especially encouraged to apply.

Skills Required: Candidates must have rigorous scientific training in research design and analysis. A strong track record of previous research achievements is highly valued. Ideal candidates should demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas: i) human microphysiological system (MPS) or 3D bioprinting, ii) mechanical engineering, device design and manufacturing, system automation, or mechatronics engineering, iii) iPSC-based tissue engineering, iv) GI mucosal biology, cancer biology, or cancer immunology, or v) clinical microbiology and host-microbiome interactions.

Job Responsibilities

• Mechanical engineering and robotics, including precision mechatronics design for multi-scale laboratory experimentations with embedded automation
• 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and precision manufacturing processes for multiscale hardware development
• Microfluidics, microfabrication, or microengineering to integrate an engineered system with microscale biological models and implement automated system control

Education

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities

• Enzymology; glycobiology and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes)
• Proteomics-based target identification; protein engineering
• Microbial synthetic biology, engineering designer probiotics or live biotherapeutics for targeted payload delivery or tumor-localized sensing
• Host-microbiome biochemical interactions, glycoprotein processing, microbial physiology, or AI-assisted synthetic biology

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Keywords

• Postdoc, Research, mechanical engineering and robotics, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and precision manufacturing processes, microfluidics, microfabrication, or microengineering, microbial biochemistry and enzymology, glycobiology

Pay Range

• Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00
• Maximum Annual Salary: $95,000.00
• The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).

For more information about the lab's research, please visit https://biomelab2022.wordpress.com/positions/ or contact Dr. Kim at [e-mail]