Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Orthopaedic Infection Research

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

2d•$70,000 - $71,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Harris Orthopaedics Laboratory, established in 1969, focuses on improving patient outcomes through materials science and translational research in orthopaedics. This laboratory is a hub for scientists and engineers aiming to make an impact in medicine. The lab is dedicated to developing polymeric and hybrid materials for orthopaedic applications, particularly for total joint replacements. A current focus is the development of antibacterial controlled release devices to combat periprosthetic joint infection. This involves material conception, application process development, characterization for clinical indication, and safety and efficacy testing in pre-clinical models.

Requirements

Strong background in Microbiology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and gram-negative bacteria
Good knowledge of BSL2 lab safety practices
Experience in establishing in-vitro models for host-pathogen studies
Experience performing bacterial and/or host transcriptomics
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Engineering.
Strong background in Microbiology and Molecular Biology is required.

Nice To Haves

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.