Description

The Bioengineering and Surgical Research Group at Department of Surgery at the University of Maryland is a national leader in development of circulatory and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support devices. The group is led by a team of engineers and clinicians well-versed in engineering, clinical, and scientific aspects of medical devices. The research activities are carried within a multidisciplinary research and design team consisting of engineers, clinicians, surgeons, scientists, residents, and students. The group is seeking a highly motivated postdoc (PhD, MD, or MD-PhD) to study device-host interactions and to elucidate the link of device design parameters to device-induced dysfunction of blood cells and proteins (red cells, platelets, white cells, coagulation proteins, etc).

The successful candidate is expected to take the lead role in projects, publish manuscripts as the first author, and present data at lab meetings and international conferences. We are looking for a scientist who is excited to discover and answer questions related to blood cell injury leading to hemostatic and immunologic dysfunction, and who demonstrates critical thinking, scientific rigor, and attention to detail. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge multidisciplinary research aimed at improving device design and host response characterization.

Job Duties

• Participate in the detection and characterization of blood cell dysfunction caused by blood contacting medical devices using state-of-art biology and immunology laboratory methods and technologies at cellular and molecular levels.
• Characterize the molecular and cellular landscapes in normal and pathological samples to uncover mechanisms of device-induced blood abnormalities, including platelet activation, complement system activation, hematological alteration, cellular structure change, molecular alteration, protein expression, and gene regulation.
• Administers day-to-day laboratory operations including monitoring the budget, ensuring quality control and safety compliance, developing policies and procedures, and ordering supplies.
• Establish independent research projects including application for third-party funding.
• Supervise students and junior staff.

Desired skills and experience

Strong experience in molecular biology, ideally with expertise in immunology, immunohistochemistry, hematology, flow cytometry, ELISA, western blotting, RT-PCR, and their principles.
Hands-on” experience with techniques, instruments and devices routinely used in biology.
Well organized, highly motivated, with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

What we offer

A stimulating, challenging and interdisciplinary translational research environment, state-of-the-art technologies and core facilities, and attractive employment conditions. We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic team of international researchers, mentorship, and a perspective to establish a strong foundation for your professional development towards independence. Close collaboration with physicians and engineers in a large, dynamic, and vibrant scientific network.