Date: Jan 10, 2025
Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
School: Case School of Engineering
Location: Case Western Reserve University (Building/Room: TBD)
Supervisor Name and Title: Harihara Baskaran, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under limited supervision and in close collaboration with the principal investigator the research associate will carry out complex research assignments to design and develop a cell cartridge for long term delivery of proteins for a newly funded interdisciplinary research project with investigators from multiple institutions. The research associate will join a highly accomplished and active team of engineers and scientists whose activities include cell engineering, and biomaterials and bioreactor design. The research associate will be expected to contribute to oral and written communication of project findings such as progress reports, publications, and presentations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Working under limited supervision, perform research work in medical and related technical areas involving the use of lab skills. Essential functions include:
1. Coordinate laboratory/research activities regarding the development, deployment and integration of a cell cartridge with oxygen sensors. (40%)
2. Maintain accurate data recording, analyze data, write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Contribute to the preparation of progress reports to the granting agency. (15%)
3. Work closely with senior research staff. Generate, organize, and analyze collected data, and create tables and figures for discussion. (10%)
4. Carry out complex research assignments of a non-routine nature. This will include biochemical and histological analysis of cells and tissues; transport modeling including computational and mass transport models of cell material complexes, complex cell culture assays using human cells and molecular biology experiments. (15%)
5. Devise new protocols and techniques involving a high degree of skill and training. (5%)
6. Evaluate adequacy of techniques; study and test new procedures and analyze data (5%)
7. May supervise technicians. (5%)
8. May monitor the laboratory budget. Oversee lab inventory and order supplies as needed. (5%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assist with day-to day lab operations and maintenance
- Train new staff and direct work of technicians when needed
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Department:
Faculty and staff in the department Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who are working in the group. These will be day-to-day contacts and work interactions in the lab/office.
External:
Contacts with external collaborators (industrial and academic) for experimental planning and execution.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise Research Assistants and Technicians in the group.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Bioengineering background. Preference will be given to researchers with experience in cell culture, molecular biology and transport modeling. Practical experience in a manufacturing setting would be an asset. Also see required skills, below.
Education/Licensing: A PhD or equivalent (in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Regenerative Medicine or related fields)
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, meet deadlines, manage work from multiple individuals, manage and perform multiple tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English. This is critical. The Project involves a large group and keeping everyone apprised of developments and progress is key to smooth operation.
- Very good time-management skills.
- Self-motivated with great problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to analyze and interpret datasets & communicate data in a clear and concise manner.
- Expertise in reactor design & modeling, cell culture and tissue culture in bioreactors is highly desired.
- Familiarity with MatLab, CAD/CAM software (Solidworks, Autocad or similar), and physics-based modeling software (Comsol, Abacus or similar) desirable.
- Familiarity with 3D printing/bioprinting and G-code optimization desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
University safety training is required. Working conditions includes the use of personal protective equipment, i.e., appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, appropriate footwear. The individual should be able to perform the following activities, bend, stoop, kneel, push, pull, reach above shoulder, repetitive motion, type, use a computer (mouse and keyboard). Be able to work in a confined space. Be able to frequently transit between the lab and other University facilities carrying research supplies. Working in an indoor laboratory/office setting and with common laboratory apparatus and chemicals. Working with cells and tissues classified as blood-borne pathogens. Working outside standard working days or hours may be occasionally required when performing certain activities, such as cell culture. Occasional travel to attend conferences or to work with outside collaborators.
A CV and three letters of reference can be sent to hxb35@case.edu.