Research Associate I-II

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute studies associated with medical device development, in support of product and process development
• Train on and conduct a wide variety of bioassays, protein binding assays, and immunoassays
• Use polymer compounding methods, such as twin-screw extrusion, to homogeneously blend medical grade polymers and functional filler materials
• Utilize advanced medical device and/or bioscaffold manufacturing methods, including 3D printing, electrospinning with a variety of materials comprising of ceramic, polymer, hydrogel, metal and/or composite materials
• Prepare buffers following defined procedures
• Lyophilize (freeze dry) regenerative scaffold materials that contain therapeutic proteins, resulting in a shelf-stable combination medical device
• Evaluate bioinks, electrospinning slurries and other feedstock materials suited for 3D printing, electrospinning and clinical use
• Utilize Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to design scaffold implants
• Document experiments, results, and findings in a lab notebook
• Independently prepare technical reports to summarize data and document experimental conclusions
• Create slide decks summarizing technical results and recommendations on paths forward and present them to senior technical staff and/or outside collaborators
• Independently design experiments and implement work plans
• Coordinate effectively with team members to plan and execute product development activities
• Communicate project status, roadblocks and results to supervisors and managers in a clear and effective manner
• Understand and adhere to laboratory safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment
• Contribute to writing of SOPs and Work Instructions for 3D Printing, Electrospinning and Bioanalytical lab processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Bioengineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience with bioassays, immunoassays, protein binding assays, polymer compounding, 3D printing, 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, lyophilization (or some combination of these) is preferred
• Working knowledge of basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods (curve fitting, error analysis, etc.)
• Strong technical writing and technical presentation ability
• College internship and/or up to 3 years of work experience in an industrial setting is preferred
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. Solidworks, Fusion 360, etc.), and 3D printing slicing software (e.g. Cura, Slic3r) is preferred
• Highly proficient with data analysis tools (Excel, GraphPad Prism) and presentation tools (Word, Powerpoint)

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a laboratory and office setting. Approximately 75% of the day may be spent in the laboratory
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a laboratory with chemicals and biochemicals and perform Biosafety Level 2 work