Research Lab Technician IV - Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
About The Position
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine seeks a Research Laboratory Technician IV to join the ImmuneChip program, which develops microfluidic organ tissue equivalent (OTE) platforms for vaccine efficacy testing. The role focuses on the lymph node OTE, an engineered immune tissue that supports antigen presentation and antibody production, and its integration with bone marrow, muscle, and airway OTEs into a functional immune cascade. The work advances preclinical vaccine evaluation without animal testing. Under general supervision, the technician will execute complex experimental protocols for lymph node OTE fabrication, maturation, and functional testing; isolate and culture primary human immune and stromal cells; conduct immune functional analyses; and support microfluidic culture, perfusion, and integration of the lymph node OTE with other tissue modules. The position also involves participating in experimental design and optimization and providing technical guidance to other laboratory personnel. The role offers opportunities to work with organ-on-chip and microfluidic integration technology, contribute to New Approach Methodologies that reduce reliance on animal testing, support vaccine and medical countermeasure development, and gain experience with engineered immune tissues, biosensing, and multi-OTE integrated systems in a collaborative regenerative medicine research environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Biological and/or Physical Sciences.
- Four years of related chemical/research experience.
- Experience with primary immune cell isolation, culture, and stimulation.
- Experience with flow cytometry and immunoassay execution, including ELISA, ELISpot, and multiplex cytokine assays.
- Experience with hydrogel and biomaterial scaffold preparation and characterization.
- Experience collecting and analyzing data for complex biological systems.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Biology or a related Physical Science.
- Two years of laboratory experience with a master's degree.
- Experience with organ-on-chip and microfluidic integration technology.
- Experience with engineered immune tissues, biosensing, and multi-OTE integrated systems.
Responsibilities
- Execute complex experimental protocols for lymph node OTE fabrication, maturation, and functional testing, including hydrogel- and scaffold-based tissue assembly.
- Isolate and culture primary human immune and stromal cells, including B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, fibroblastic reticular cells, and endothelial cells.
- Conduct immune functional analyses, including multiparameter flow cytometry, ELISA and ELISpot, multiplex cytokine assays, antigen-specific and neutralizing antibody measurement, and immunohistochemistry.
- Support microfluidic culture, perfusion, and integration of the lymph node OTE with other tissue modules.
- Participate in experimental design and optimization.
- Provide technical guidance to other laboratory personnel.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off programs
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match
- Financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
- Potential premium pay, including shift and on-call pay, based on position
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual performance-based increases
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
