Research (Professional)

University of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

This position will support newly funded NIH grants utilizing an organ-on-a-chip model to investigate the mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA) and associated pain. Responsibilities include expanding human cells, encapsulating them into 3D scaffolds, and integrating them into bioreactors. Following maturation, the tissues will be linked via microfluidics to study inter-tissue crosstalk. Osteoarthritis will be modeled using biochemical stimuli and mechanical loading. Tissue phenotypes will be evaluated using qRT-PCR, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. In particular, structural alterations in lysosomes and mitochondria will be examined using super-resolution microscopy. The incumbent will be responsible for tasks related to the execution and analysis of lab functions or social research. Tasks could include, but are not limited to, performing laboratory procedures, developing materials, managing data collection, data input, evaluation and analysis, and participating in the design and planning of protocols.

Requirements

Ph.D. with 5+ years of independent laboratory research experience
Strong publication record demonstrating expertise in histology and super-resolution microscopy

Responsibilities

Expanding human cells
Encapsulating cells into 3D scaffolds
Integrating cells into bioreactors
Linking tissues via microfluidics to study inter-tissue crosstalk
Modeling osteoarthritis using biochemical stimuli and mechanical loading
Evaluating tissue phenotypes using qRT-PCR, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
Examining structural alterations in lysosomes and mitochondria using super-resolution microscopy
Performing laboratory procedures
Developing materials
Managing data collection
Data input, evaluation, and analysis
Participating in the design and planning of protocols