Research Assistant

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

The UNC_NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering invites applications for a full-time Research Assistant position. The position will have an academic appointment in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and will participate in a NIH -funded research program to develop multiple drug delivery formulations including a hydrogel system for cell therapies, and long-acting multipurpose prevention technologies for prevention of HIV and unplanned pregnancy and for a broader application in women’s health. Various technologies will be advanced by utilizing formulation development and polymer chemistry, hydrogel systems, stem cell and drug delivery, injectable formulation, 3D printed devices, in vitro model systems, and in vivo studies in relevant models for safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy. The focus of this position will be on formulation development and optimization combined with in vitro and in vivo characterization and testing. Additionally, the position will require scientific data analysis, reporting and manuscript writing. A strong background in biomedical engineering, biochemistry, formulation development, adherent and suspension mammalian cell culture, and cell-based assays including live/dead cell assay, ATP / MTT assays, immunohistochemical staining and imaging, live cell imaging, ELISA , Western Blot, RT- PCR , protein/ DNA / RNA extraction and purification, fluorescence microscopy, experimental design, CAD and SLA 3D printing. Analytical expertise including HPLC , FT-IR, rheology, DSC , TGA , AFM , NMR , UV-Vis, mechanical testing, imaging techniques including SEM , TEM , ESEM , BLI , and confocal imaging is strongly preferred. Software experience in ImageJ, Origin, GraphPad, MATLAB , SolidWorks, and BioRender. The ideal candidate will have experience in design and development of translational biomaterials that can be applied to address real-world unmet medical needs using interdisciplinary approach in biomedical engineering, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical science.

Requirements

excellent communication skills
creative
highly motivated
able to work independently
demonstrated strong experience in hydrogel formulations, tissue culture, cell-based assays, in vivo studies, and project management and execution
interest in and ability to collaborate with other researchers
willing to proactively write and publish manuscripts and help with grant submissions
solid foundation in techniques for the use of biomaterial fabrication, cells/medicines, animals, cellular biology assays, and analytical methods in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cell therapies research
expertise in biology and biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering or a closely related discipline
interest to contribute as team member
outstanding work ethics
demonstrated dedication to scientific advances and research excellence

Nice To Haves

demonstrated prior project leadership
excellent communication and verbal skills to lead and execute high-level research projects
Prior industry experience in the fields of biomedical engineering, product development, and translational research
Course work in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline
Analytical expertise including HPLC , FT-IR, rheology, DSC , TGA , AFM , NMR , UV-Vis, mechanical testing, imaging techniques including SEM , TEM , ESEM , BLI , and confocal imaging
Software experience in ImageJ, Origin, GraphPad, MATLAB , SolidWorks, and BioRender
experience in design and development of translational biomaterials that can be applied to address real-world unmet medical needs using interdisciplinary approach in biomedical engineering, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical science