Co-op, Regenerative Medicine Lab

United Therapeutics • Rtp, NC

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This Spring 2026 Co-op will conduct and assist in research & development efforts to develop novel cell- and tissue-based products for treating pulmonary hypertension and other lung diseases. This role will complete a focused research project to address a question that is relevant to the development of a cell- or tissue-based product for the treatment of lung disease(s). Generate data that addresses an insightful question and produce summary conclusions and report(s) to document the outcomes of experimental testing. Present data to management, team leaders, and research staff during internal review meetings, and make a final presentation of project findings. The project will be chosen based upon the background of the applicant as well as the needs of the research & development team. Examples of R&D projects include: Conduct focused studies to evaluate the flow of fluid and/or particles (e.g. blood, microspheres) in native lungs and engineered lung tissues. Develop and use 3-dimensional systems (e.g. hydrogels) to study the co-culture and/or interaction of endothelial, epithelial and stromal cells. Investigate methods to transition cultured cells into mature tissues. Identify mechanical or textile methods and/or materials that aid in the flow of fluid through an externally ventilated lung. Build a histological database categorized by study, strategy, and outcome to set the foundation for implementing a robust image organization network. Work with a cross-functional team to develop and implement 3D staining, imaging, and analysis methods to address key questions surrounding lung structure and blood routing in lung scaffolds and bioengineered lungs using microCT and other techniques Conduct an in-depth assessment of engineered lung tissue using assays to evaluate gene or protein expression (e.g.: protein/RNA extraction, PCR, WB, ELISA, + tissue handling and/or cell culture). Identify biological targets based on these analyses and correlate with previously quantified outcomes.

Requirements

• Candidates are expected to be actively enrolled in an educational program toward the completion of a Master’s, or PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, engineering or related field
• Students in their junior year or above will be considered
• Must be available to work 40 hours/week onsite in the RTP, NC facility

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cell culture, such as 1-2 semesters of class/lab-work or work experience
• Experience with cell analytical assays (e.g. Western blot, DNA assays, protein/mRNA characterization), such as 1-2 semesters of class/lab-work or work experience
• Data analysis or programming experience
• Knowledge of cardiovascular biology or physiology, such as 1-2 semesters of class/lab-work and prior work/research in a cardiovascular or pulmonary field
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Powerpoint, Word)
• Data analysis programs (e.g. Graphpad Prism, MATLAB)
• Image analysis tools (e.g. ImageJ)
• Coding languages (e.g. Python, C++, R)

Responsibilities

• Conduct and assist in research & development efforts to develop novel cell- and tissue-based products for treating pulmonary hypertension and other lung diseases.
• Complete a focused research project to address a question that is relevant to the development of a cell- or tissue-based product for the treatment of lung disease(s).
• Generate data that addresses an insightful question and produce summary conclusions and report(s) to document the outcomes of experimental testing.
• Present data to management, team leaders, and research staff during internal review meetings, and make a final presentation of project findings.
• Conduct focused studies to evaluate the flow of fluid and/or particles (e.g. blood, microspheres) in native lungs and engineered lung tissues.
• Develop and use 3-dimensional systems (e.g. hydrogels) to study the co-culture and/or interaction of endothelial, epithelial and stromal cells.
• Investigate methods to transition cultured cells into mature tissues.
• Identify mechanical or textile methods and/or materials that aid in the flow of fluid through an externally ventilated lung.
• Build a histological database categorized by study, strategy, and outcome to set the foundation for implementing a robust image organization network.
• Work with a cross-functional team to develop and implement 3D staining, imaging, and analysis methods to address key questions surrounding lung structure and blood routing in lung scaffolds and bioengineered lungs using microCT and other techniques
• Conduct an in-depth assessment of engineered lung tissue using assays to evaluate gene or protein expression (e.g.: protein/RNA extraction, PCR, WB, ELISA, + tissue handling and/or cell culture).
• Identify biological targets based on these analyses and correlate with previously quantified outcomes.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits suite of programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, savings plans (401k and ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, disability benefits, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees