Coop - Organ Manufacturing

United Therapeutics Corporation•Manchester, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

United Therapeutics (Nasdaq: UTHR) is a public benefit corporation focused on developing novel pharmaceutical therapies and technologies to expand the availability of transplantable organs. Founded in 1996, the company has developed six FDA-approved therapies for conditions like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD), and neuroblastoma. Recognizing the organ transplant shortage, United Therapeutics is actively working on creating manufactured organs (kidneys, hearts, lungs, and livers) to eliminate transplant waiting lists and treat end-stage organ diseases. This PhD Co-op position on the Organ Manufacturing team offers an opportunity to work with biomaterials, tissue engineering, and 3D bioprinting to advance technologies for creating transplantable lungs. The role involves optimizing hydrogel scaffolds, peptide conjugation, and developing analytical assays, contributing to science with the potential to transform patient care. The co-op requires hands-on experimentation and problem-solving skills.

Requirements

Candidate must be an actively enrolled student in an academic program for the duration of the assignment; pursuing a PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science, Tissue Engineering or related discipline.
Experience with analytical assay development and optimization using advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, Mass Spectrometry etc.
Knowledge of basic statistical analysis tools and techniques.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.5 or higher
Experience working with basic confocal microscopy
Experience with mechanical testing of hydrogel materials
Experience working with fluidic systems optimizing micro- and macro-scale flow patterns
Experience with chemical characterization of hydrogel materials

Responsibilities

Post-processing (e.g. washing, surface modification etc.) of 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds.
Optimizing and performing peptide conjugation studies on 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds.
Developing and optimizing analytical assays for quantification of peptides conjugated on 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds.
Developing and performing assays to study peptide stability at multiple storage and sampling conditions.
Develop, evaluate and/or improve formulation designs for new and ongoing projects under the direct supervision of assigned engineering scientist.
Assist with basic project management, including development of a project plan and schedule.
Generate comprehensive protocols for testing/analyzing the materials during development.
Generate design assurance and comprehensive report documentation for testing and characterization.
Develop, evaluate and/or improve methods for cellularization of 3D printed scaffold designs for new and ongoing projects.
Assist and perform setup and maintenance for cellularization studies.
Assessment of cell phenotype, behavior and health following cellularization studies.
Assessment of cell viability, cell phenotype, and cell or tissue function following cellularization studies.
Communicate cross-functionally with members of the Organ Manufacturing Group and other company functions as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.