Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Children's Heart Institute

About the Role

The position is with the Children’s Heart Institute at the Center for Innovations in Congenital Heart Disease (CiCHD). The role involves the design and development of a bioprinted in vitro model of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease (FALD), specifically liver fibrosis injury. The model will consist of hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells to resemble native liver tissue. Fontan-like flow conditions will be applied to the in vitro model, and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis will be examined. This model will also be used to assess a variety of pharmacological and interventional procedures to treat FALD.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
• Assists in training and mentoring lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
• Reads and evaluates scientific literature.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Stem cell culture experience
• 3D printing and 3D bioprinting
• Biomaterial synthesis
• Immunostaining and confocal microscopy

Minimum Education

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Physical Requirements

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time—totaling around 37-38 days per year)
• Vacation accrual increases with tenure
• Retirement/pension plan
• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts (entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.)
• Resources for child and elder care

Residency Requirement

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215 and Texas Government Code 411.094. Applicants, employees, or contractors may be reviewed for factors such as criminal history or connections to foreign adversaries that could impact the security or integrity of critical infrastructure.