Senior Research Scientist

Senior Research Scientist

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.