The Organ Pathobiology and Therapeutics Institute (OPTIn) is searching for a Research Scientist to play a significant role in our New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) program utilizing our biomimetic human liver acinus microphysiological system (LAMPS) platform. We use both primary human cells and iPSC-derived cells for evaluating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression, identifying disease-relevant biomarkers, and testing of candidates as well as a precision medicine platform for the development of patient digital twins and patient biomimetic twins. We are one of four Translational Centers for MPS (TraCe-MPS) established in collaboration with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and the FDA, with the goal of qualifying our liver MPS platforms as drug development tools (DDTs) for various specific contexts of use. A key focus of the current position is the detection of low-level, subclinical effects in a human based system using real-time fixed endpoint, secretome-based, and image-based readouts to identify early activation of toxicity pathways. The incumbent will primarily participate within the TraCe-MPS group for the qualification of the LAMPS platform as a DDT with the FDA to aid in the determination of drug candidate dosing in patients with MASLD. Great talent in complex, multi-cell-based experimentation, knowledge of liver physiology, experience identifying toxicity signals via phenotype and molecular level assays and high content imaging experience is required. Toxicologists, pharmacologists or cell biologists and/or biomedical engineers with experience in the design and application of liver MPS systems are also strongly encouraged to apply.
PhD in toxicology, pharmacology, physiology, cell biology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, or related field required. Strong cell based research experience; previous experience with liver MPS model systems or co-culture systems is highly valued. Working knowledge of toxicology and pharmacology is greatly desired. Experience in liver cell and organ physiology, cell and molecular biology and fluorescence imaging and quantification is desired. Experience with primary (patient isolated) human cells and iPSCs a plus.
Must Perform studies for the qualification of the LAMPS platform as a DDT, conduct and manage independent research projects from experimental design through implementation and analysis, present results in seminars and publications, prepare and draft various research documents including manuscripts, proposals, and grant applications, collaborate with the liver microphysiological systems team and clinician-scientists at Pitt.
Serves as subject matter expert and conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various complex documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates, junior lab members, and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates high-level work and project development in collaboration with other specialists.
Computer work: walking from place to place; standing and sitting to perform essential tasks. Good manual dexterity.
Lifting and stacking of boxes of supplies, standing for extended periods required to fulfill workload. Light - Maximum lifting of up to 20 lbs. With frequent lifting/carrying of up to 10 lbs. or a negligible amount; significant walking or standing may be required or may involve sitting with a degree of pushing and pulling.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Senior Research Scientist
- Job Family: Research
- Job Sub-Family: Research Science
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Professional Doctorate Degree
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 7
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: No
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
- Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
- Required Documents: Resume
- Optional Documents: Cover Letter