Research Assistant/Associate in Musculoskeletal Therapeutics
Applications are invited for a Lab Research Assistant/Associate position within the Musculoskeletal Therapeutics Section of the Bone & Joint Center at Henry Ford Health. The Musculoskeletal Therapeutics Section of the Bone & Joint Center focuses on the development of regenerative medicine- and immune-based treatment strategies for a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Two main clinical focus areas are post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and degenerative disc disease (DDD). The PTOA clinical focus area involves understanding how immune cells and the bone marrow responds to joint injury, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, and how this leads to the development of progressive osteoarthritis of the knee. The DDD clinical focus area involves the development of pharmacologic and tissue engineering strategies to enhance the repair and regeneration of the intervertebral disc.
Qualified candidates will have a B.S. or M.S. degree in molecular/cell biology, or related field. Ideal applicants will have significant hands-on experience in mammalian cell isolation, cell culture, optical/fluorescence microscopy, as well as qPCR and ELISA techniques. Previous experience with MSK-relevant cells (mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, etc.), as well as experience working research environment is highly desirable, but not necessary. The candidate should also be willing to learn new techniques, including but not limited to: flow cytometry, cell sorting, and single cell RNA-sequencing. This is a full-time position with salary (commensurate with experience) and benefits (medical, dental, and life insurance, 403(b)-based retirement plan, and more). At times, this position involves interacting with numerous individuals from a variety of backgrounds and therefore requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
The Bone & Joint Center is located within the Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences Center in Detroit, Michigan and is affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Henry Ford Health. There is also a new affiliation with the College of Human Medicine of Michigan State University. Bone & Joint Center staff include individuals with expertise in biomechanics, cell/molecular biology, mechanobiology, motion analysis, regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and advanced imaging.
Most importantly, we all work well together to solve challenging problems in Orthopaedics. Science is a team sport and if you are excited about these topics, we want you to be a part of our team! Send your CV/resume (with 2-3 references) and a written description of your hands-on cell and molecular biology experience to Kevin Baker, Ph.D. at kbaker13@hfhs.org.