Post Doctoral Research Fellow - BioEngineering

Job Summary:

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to lead studies related to the prevention and treatment of infection following severe trauma. Infection after trauma-induced bone fractures are common and disabling, despite decades of prevention efforts. Antibiotic coated implants are a promising potential strategy to reduce infection rates, but their effects on host cell attachment, bacterial colonization, and construct mechanics are not well characterized, limiting their widespread adoption.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead studies characterizing coated implants across two complementary domains: the biologic interface (host cell response against bacterial colonization) and the biomechanical/biomaterials interface (how coatings affect implant material properties and mechanics). These pre-clinical studies will be conducted in parallel with an ongoing prospective longitudinal observational clinical study, providing a unique opportunity for the postdoc to integrate mechanistic findings with clinical outcomes.

The position is co-advised across musculoskeletal biology labs and biomechanics/biomaterials labs, with the mentorship plan shaped by the candidate's background and interests. We welcome applicants from biology or engineering who want to work across that divide. The role draws on funded studies spanning preclinical models, engineering approaches, and clinical research, and sits within a large academic medical center with substantial trauma volume and established translational infrastructure.

Major Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with project teams in developing and implementing research plans and protocols, conducting analyses, and preparing reports, abstracts and manuscripts.
• Conducts research experiments and assures the validity and reliability of all collected data.
• In consultation with Research Scientists, monitors the operation of complex technical procedures and equipment.
• Assists in design and/or modification of experimental and routine research and/or patient-related testing procedures according to the needs of the department.
• Performs regular scientific literature searches and maintains current and complete literature referencing.
• Submits grant application(s) to obtain research funding and manuscript(s) for publication based on research project.

Education Required:

• Doctorate Degree.