Research Associate, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Biophysical Society; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering research team at a leading institute focused on regenerative medicine. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative research in organ-on-chip technology, driving forward transformative projects while mentoring a dynamic team. You will oversee complex experimental workflows, establish protocols, and collaborate with industry partners to advance therapeutic applications. If you are an experienced scientist with a passion for innovation and public health, this position is your chance to make a significant impact in the field.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Collaborative work environment

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with postdoctoral experience or M.S. with extensive research experience.
• Experience in advanced tissue engineering and organ-on-chip technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of organ-on-chip models for chemical safety assessment.
• Supervise technical staff and manage collaborative research projects.

Skills

Cell culture techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Tissue engineering

Project management

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

Master's in Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Bioprinting technologies

Excel spreadsheets

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) seeks an experienced Research Associate/Staff Scientist to lead innovative research in advanced organ-on-chip technology development and provide senior-level technical expertise. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to drive forward transformative research while mentoring a dynamic research team.

Research Focus: The successful candidate will lead the technical development and validation of sophisticated human airway and skin organ-on-chip (OTE) models for evaluating chemical-induced tissue fibrosis. This pioneering program integrates advanced tissue engineering, multi-omics analysis, and machine learning applications to establish new paradigms for preclinical testing and therapeutic development.

Technical Leadership Responsibilities

• Direct complex experimental workflows for OTE model development and validation
• Establish and optimize protocols for chemical exposure studies and tissue response characterization
• Lead multi-parameter analysis integrating functional assays and multi-omics approaches
• Supervise technical staff and coordinate research activities across multiple projects
• Ensure quality control and standardization of laboratory procedures
• Manage collaborations with commercial partners and clinical investigators
• Oversee equipment maintenance and laboratory operations
• Provide technical guidance and problem-solving expertise

Required Technical Expertise

• Advanced tissue engineering and/or organ-on-chip technology
• Complex cell culture systems and 3D tissue model development
• Multi-modal biological assay development and validation
• Data analysis and experimental design
• Project management and team coordination

Leadership Qualifications

• Ph.D. with significant postdoctoral experience or M.S. with extensive research experience
• Demonstrated expertise in tissue engineering or related field
• Strong track record of technical innovation and problem-solving
• Excellence in team leadership and project coordination
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

This position offers unique opportunities to

• Lead cutting-edge research with direct therapeutic applications
• Direct technical operations in a state-of-the-art facility
• Mentor and develop junior researchers
• Build collaborative relationships with industry partners
• Contribute to advancing alternative testing methods

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment focused on developing next-generation tissue models for chemical safety assessment and therapeutic development. This position provides an excellent opportunity for experienced scientists seeking to advance their careers in a leadership role while contributing to both scientific innovation and public health protection.

Education/Experience: Ph.D. with a focus in the biological, chemical, engineering or physical sciences, or biomedical engineering. Master's degree with at least eight years of relevant research experience.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in chemical reactions and polymer chemistry.
• Experience with development and testing of tissue engineering constructs
• Experience in biofabrication and tissue engineering technologies such as bioprinting, for creation of tissue engineered constructs.
• Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science background a plus.
• General computer skills, including the use of Excel spreadsheets
• Attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Time management
• Excellent recordkeeping and documentation skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is a world leader in the development of technologies and products in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. WFIRM is an interdisciplinary institute, with a semi-open laboratory concept aimed towards fostering collaboration in a variety of research areas. WFIRM occupies several floors in the Richard H. Dean Biomedical Building in the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem.

About Us

Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world-class health system, Atrium Health. WFUSM, the academic core of Atrium Health Enterprise, is a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research that includes Wake Forest Innovations, a commercialization enterprise focused on advancing health care through new medical technologies and biomedical discovery. WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise.

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. AHWFB is an 885-bed tertiary-care hospital in Winston-Salem - that includes Brenner Children's Hospital, five community hospitals, more than 300 primary and specialty care locations and more than 2,700 physicians. Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing - for all.

It should be noted that while you are applying on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Career Site, you will receive communications from the Atrium Health Recruitment Team. Please know that this is an expected process. Thanks in advance for your flexibility.

About the Team

Mission, Vision and Culture Commitments

Mission

To improve health, elevate hope and advance healing - for all.

Vision

To be the first and best choice for care.

Culture Commitments

We create a space where all Belong

We Work as One to make great things happen

We earn Trust in all we do

We Innovate to better the now and create the future

We drive for Excellence - always