Career Center

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow research position for Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery departments. This position is a good opportunity for a junior or a senior postdoc fellow who wishes to be successful in his/her academic career. They will receive training in various aspects, e.g., project and proposal writing, article writing, new technology training, and others, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with our clinical faculty, institute researchers, and our laboratory students. The lab is led by Dr. Yong Li, who is a well-known professor in stem cell regulations and applications, fibrosis prevention, genetic and epigenetic modifications in the field of musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. His team is well-funded through DOD and NIH grants. Dr. Li is a recognized expert in the field of tissue injury and repair with his use of stem cells to improve musculoskeletal tissue repair and clinical translational studies. He spearheaded an exciting project that aims to research limb muscle atrophy after neuronal or musculoskeletal injuries, as well as research limb regrowth/regeneration after amputation. His research also extends to other groundbreaking areas, such as use of autologous blood clots combined with stem cells and other drugs, e.g., antibiotics to improve skin wound healing and prevent infections.  

• Responsible for establishing workflows, design, and execute experiments with high level of independence, organization, and scientific rigor.
• Responsible for establishing SOPs and adapt new protocols from literature.
• Perform data analysis and develop strategies for troubleshooting and/or optimization.
• Mentor junior colleagues and students.
• Present data and write original manuscripts.
• Develop innovative hypothesis driven projects and write grants.
• Availability to work on weekends and evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• PhD or MD degree in Cellular Biological, Biomedical, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Regenerative Medicine, Gene and Cell Therapy, or related disciplines.
• Previous research experience in stem cells, genetics, and epigenetics is preferred.
• The consideration also includes experiences in the small animal studies, e.g., mouse or rat.
• Strong publication track record in the past is fancied.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical, and/or administrative nature within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology.
• Conducts research independently using one’s discretion, knowledge, and judgment.
• Analyzes data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments.
• Manages and guides lab members with the development of technical procedures and protocols.
• Provides feedback to lab members and department managers.
• Isolates and cultures primary musculoskeletal tissue-derived or bone marrow-derived stem cells for orthopaedic tissue repair, e.g, cartilage, bone, tendon, or limb muscles.
• Maintain and culture-induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs).
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time-sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• Required skills include experience with one or more of the following: sterile tissue or cell culture, immunocyto- or histo-chemical staining and Fluorescence images, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis, protein immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or RT-PCR, Single-cell RNA sequence (scRNAqeq), CRISPR gene editing, next-generation sequencing, single cell sequencing, and Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP–seq) and basic bioinformatic analyses.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in the organization of workflow.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.