Research Perfusionist

Metis Foundation • Bethesda, MD

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Metis Foundation is seeking a Research Perfusionist to support the Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research program (MiCOR) at the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, MD. This role will also support the Battlefield Shock and Organ Support (BSOS) Program's mission. The MiCOR program focuses on understanding the impact of military service on cardiovascular risk through innovative clinical research using precision techniques. The BSOS Program is a translational research program dedicated to advancing life-saving technologies in critical care, extracorporeal circulation, and military medicine, with a focus on ECMO and its derivative technologies for cardiac arrest and controlled reperfusion. The Metis Foundation provides scientific, educational, financial, and project management support for research, clinical trials, and education, particularly within the US Department of Defense. This position may involve duties at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and may require obtaining a Secret Clearance and undergoing Credentialing. The Research Perfusionist will actively participate in the design and execution of large animal research experiments, collaborating with surgeons, scientists, and engineers. The role requires independent thinking, technical fluency, and a strong interest in translational research. We are looking for an experienced, motivated, and technically skilled individual to join our mechanical circulatory support program, who thrives in a dynamic experimental environment, can troubleshoot under pressure, and is adaptable to evolving circuit technologies.

Requirements

• Demonstrated fluency with ECMO circuit assembly, troubleshooting, and management.
• Exceptional communication skills — with the ability to interface effectively across disciplines, including surgeons, scientists, and research coordinators.
• Ability to function calmly and decisively in high-acuity, time-sensitive experimental scenarios.
• A strong personal commitment to integrity, transparency, and scientific rigor.
• Bachelor's degree (preferred in biology, chemistry, or a related science field) and completion of an accredited Perfusion Training Program.
• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical or research perfusion experience.
• Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) credential, or equivalent recognized certification.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in large animal research or surgical simulation environments.
• Familiarity with ECMO-derivative applications (e.g., ECPR, controlled reperfusion, isolated limb perfusion).
• Interest in or experience with circuit design, custom component integration, or novel perfusion configurations.
• Track record of or demonstrated interest in contributing to scientific publication or grant-supported research.

Responsibilities

• Operate ECMO circuits and derivative technologies in a large animal (porcine) research setting, including setup, priming, initiation, management, and weaning.
• Troubleshoot circuit performance in real time, adapting configurations in direct response to experimental data as conditions evolve.
• Modify and optimize circuit configurations on-the-fly to support the specific aims of each experimental protocol.
• Collaborate closely with the BSOS surgical and research team to ensure seamless integration of perfusion management within the broader experimental workflow.
• Maintain detailed, accurate records of circuit parameters, interventions, and observations to support data integrity and scientific reproducibility.
• Assist in the development and refinement of experimental protocols, including input on circuit design considerations and perfusion strategies.
• Stay current with emerging ECMO technologies, novel circuit components, and relevant literature, contributing actively to the program's technological evolution.
• Opportunity to participate in the authorship of scientific manuscripts and presentations as part of an organized, program-directed research plan.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level