Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Orthopaedic Infection Research
About The Position
The Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory, established in 1969, focuses on improving patient outcomes through materials science and translational research in orthopaedics. The lab is a hub for scientists and engineers developing polymeric and hybrid materials for orthopaedic applications, with a current focus on antibacterial controlled release devices to address periprosthetic joint infection. This role involves the conception of materials, development of application processes, characterization, and safety/efficacy testing in pre-clinical models. The position is a full-time, 3-4 year appointment.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering.
- Strong background in Microbiology and Molecular Biology is required.
- Strong background in Microbiology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and gram-negative bacteria.
- Good knowledge of BSL2 lab safety practices.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in establishing in-vitro models for host-pathogen studies.
- Experience performing bacterial and/or host transcriptomics.
- Familiarity with analytical chemistry and polymer synthesis methods is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Establishment of monomicrobial and polymicrobial cultures relevant to musculoskeletal and implant associated infections (mainly Staphylococci)
- Physical and biochemical characterization of bacteria (planktonic and biofilms) using conventional bacteriological techniques, microplate-based assays, flow cytometry, and VITEK-based high throughput technology.
- Antibiotic resistance, tolerance, and virulence characterization
- Establishing cell cultures and associated molecular and biochemical assays.
- Molecular characterization of pathogens and host responses using DNA/RNA extraction, Real-time PCR, NGS Library prep and RNA-Seq
- Advanced Microscopy including Fluorescence imaging, Confocal imaging, Live imaging, and Electron microscopy (SEM/TEM)
- Bacterial transcriptomics and associated bioinformatic analyses for in-depth biofilm characterization.
- Host-pathogen interactions using in vitro and in vivo models.
- Drug susceptibility testing (MIC/MBC/MBEC) and antibacterial/anticolonization studies of material surfaces.
- Design and method development of in-vitro periprosthetic joint infection models and support preclinical in-vivo experiments to characterize bacteria from periprosthetic tissues and retrieved implant materials.
- Supervising biomedical research engineers in experimental work and presentation
- Working with other team members and collaborators supporting delivery device formulation and preclinical studies for safety and efficacy.
Benefits
- Patient care, research, teaching, and community service support
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
