Research Scientist (OPTIn/MPS Group)

Life in Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh Liver MPS Team seeks a PhD-level Research Scientist to lead translational research at the interface of microphysiological systems, systems biology, and precision medicine.

Our NIH- and industry-funded projects combine biomimetic liver MPS with multi-omics analysis and quantitative systems pharmacology to stratify patients and accelerate targeted therapies for liver and metabolic diseases.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cell biology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology or related field.
• Hands-on experience with microphysiological systems (MPS) and diverse MPS assays.
• Experience establishing 3D cell culture models including primary cells and iPSC-derived hepatic cells.
• Proven ability to lead research projects and disseminate results via publications and talks.
• Experience training junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of MPS research from hypothesis development to data interpretation and dissemination.
• Design and perform experiments in multiple 3D liver MPS platforms using patient-derived cells.
• Develop omics-based, imaging-based, and biochemical assays to quantify phenotypes and drug responses.
• Mentor students and technicians in MPS methods and data analysis.
• Collaborate with computational modelers to translate findings into actionable strategies.

Skills

MPS techniques

Omics data analysis

Biochemical assays

Cell culture and 3D models

iPSC differentiation

Education

PhD in cell biology / biomedical engineering / pharmacology

Job description

The University of Pittsburgh Liver MPS Team, part of the Organ Pathobiology and Therapeutics Institute (OPTIn) within the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, is seeking a PhD-level Research Scientist to lead translational research at the interface of microphysiological systems (MPS), systems biology, and precision medicine. Our NIH- and industry-funded projects combine biomimetic liver MPS with multi-omics analysis and quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) to stratify patients, predict drug response, identify biomarkers, and accelerate the development of targeted therapies for liver and metabolic diseases, including MASLD/MASH and type 2 diabetes.

The successful candidate will lead projects within a highly interdisciplinary team of cell biologists, MPS engineers, computational modelers, and clinician-scientists to advance a precision medicine platform that incorporates patient-derived primary cells and iPSCs, genotypic stratification, and preclinical drug evaluation in MPS.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of MPS research projects, from hypothesis development and experimental design through execution, data analysis, and interpretation, and present results in scientific talks and peer-reviewed publications. Design and perform experiments in multiple 3D biomimetic liver MPS platforms, building complex multicellular models from patient primary cells and/or patient-specific iPSC-derived hepatic cells, including hepatocytes, LSECs, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, immune cells, and cholangiocytes, Develop and apply a broad range of MPS assays, including omics-based (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), imaging-based (e.g., high-content and fluorescence imaging), and biochemical (e.g., secreted biomarkers, functional readouts) approaches, to quantify cellular phenotypes, disease progression, and responses to candidate therapeutics. Train and mentor junior scientists, including students, trainees, and technical staff, in MPS methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Integrate multi-omics datasets (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) to elucidate disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and stratify drug responses across patient genotypes. Contribute to the development of a preclinical trial-on-chip platform that uses genotyped patient-derived cells to test cohort-specific treatment strategies, with integrated multi-omics data capture, collaborate with computational modelers on data integration and modeling workflows, including computational pipelines and data analytics platforms, to translate experimental findings into clinically actionable therapeutic strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in cell biology, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, systems biology, or a related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience with microphysiological systems (MPS) and a range of MPS assays, including omics-based, imaging-based, and biochemical readouts. Experience establishing and maintaining complex cell culture models, such as 3D cultures, multicellular co-cultures, organoids, primary human cells, and/or iPSC-derived cells. Experience with iPSC generation and differentiation, particularly into hepatic cell types, is highly valued. Proven ability to independently lead research projects, from experimental design and execution through data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, as shown by first-author publications and scientific presentations. Experience training and mentoring junior scientists, such as students, trainees, or technical staff. Experience with liver biology and liver MPS models. Experience in transcriptomic/genomic/metabolomic data analysis (e.g., RNA-seq, metabolomics, pathway analysis, drug prediction, genotype calling). Familiarity with precision medicine strategies.

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

Computer work: walking from place to place; standing and sitting to perform essential tasks. Good manual dexterity.

Lifting and stacking of boxes of supplies, standing for extended periods required to fulfill workload. Light - Maximum lifting of up to 20 lbs. With frequent lifting/carrying of up to 10 lbs. or a negligible amount; significant walking or standing may be required or may involve sitting with a degree of pushing and pulling.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Job Details

• Assignment Category: Full-time regular
• Job Classification: Staff.Research Scientist
• Job Family: Research
• Job Sub-Family: Research Science
• Campus: Pittsburgh
• Minimum Education Level Required: Professional Doctorate Degree
• Minimum Years of Experience Required: 5
• Substitution in lieu of education or experience: No
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
• Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
• Relocation Offered: No
• Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
• Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
• Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
• Required Documents: Resume
• Optional Documents: Cover Letter