Research Associate, WF Institute for Regenerative Medicine

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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.

Pay Range

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nations largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.