Principal Engineer/Scientist: Complex in Vitro Models for Drug Screening Lead

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Comprehensive medical, vision, and on‑

Dental insurance

Paid leave and disability coverage

Job summary

CFD Research is seeking a highly skilled research leader to head the Biotechnology and Life Sciences team in Huntsville, AL. You will guide multiple projects using complex in vitro models, including organ-on-a-chip platforms and organoids, and drive integration with computational models.

You will lead cross-functional teams, champion customer requirements, and ensure robust data generation, reporting, and scientific leadership while advancing countermeasure development and mechanistic

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, biology, or related field with 7+ years of experience developing complex in vitro models.
• Experience leading cutting-edge R&D for prototypes including organ-on-chip and multi-organ systems.
• Proven track record translating bench-top prototypes into standardized assays for drug screening.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical project execution of one or more development projects.
• Guide scientific and engineering personnel in project execution and overcoming research hurdles.
• Ensure generation of robust, reliable data, including oversight of report generation.
• Represent CFD in direct customer briefings and progress updates, including accomplishments, schedule, and budget.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of engineers and scientists in CIVMS, electrochemical sensing, PBPK modeling, and others.

Skills

Leadership and scientific guidance

Communication skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Project oversight

Stakeholder liaison

Education

PhD in biomedical engineering, biology, or related field

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Job Description

CFD Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated research leader to join our Biotechnology and Life Sciences team. In this role, you will play a critical role in leading multiple projects that will utilize complex in vitro models for both medical countermeasure development and mechanistic investigations. The successful candidate will lead a cross functional team in the design, development, and optimization of advanced in vitro systems—including organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms and organoids—across a range of tissue types as well as in the incorporation of sensing and integration with computational models. The candidate will also need to collaborate with cross-functional teams, champion customer requirements and drive projects forward by ensuring impactful research and development while providing technical leadership and guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee technical project execution of one or more development projects.
• Guide scientific and engineering personnel in project execution and in overcoming research hurdles.
• Ensure generation of robust, reliable data, including oversight of report generation
• Act as direct representative of CFD in direct customer briefing and technical progress updates, including technical accomplishments, schedule, and budget.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of engineers and scientists in CIVMS, electrochemical sensing, PBPK modeling, and others.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, biology, or related field with 7+ years of experience in the development of complex in vitro models, or equivalent (BS+15).
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cutting edge research and development for prototypes (complex in vitro models including organ on chip, transwell, multi-organ systems)
• Proven track record translating bench-top in vitro prototypes into standardized, reproducible assays suitable for drug screening
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams
• U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with GLP/GMP/GIVIMP
• Experience in proposal writing
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (FDA, ISTAND, etc.)

Location:

This role is based in the Huntsville, AL area, and is 100% onsite.

Benefits:

CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories