Professional Research Assistant

Job Summary

Our laboratory leads innovative, translational research that advances cardiovascular therapeutics for both women and men by integrating biomaterials, nanotechnology, and cardiovascular mechanobiology. Our lab’s success depends on rigorous scientific methodology, ethical conduct, and a shared commitment to generating knowledge that meaningfully impacts both the scientific community and society. As a member of the lab, you will contribute directly to this mission through designing and executing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, or helping develop technologies such as engineered mechanobiology platforms, nanoparticle‑based therapeutics, and engineered in‑vitro models.

Your role will eventually involve designing and carrying out experiments independently.

• Nanoparticle fabrication
• Polymer synthesis and biomaterial fabrication
• Engineering in‑vitro models
• Heart transplant readouts: flow cytometry, histology, cytotoxicity assays, and immunofluorescence.

• Collaborate with and support Principal Investigators (PI) and other stakeholders with laboratory and research functions.
• Utilize a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Perform experiments, tabulate and analyze research data.
• Support analytical testing processes, including sample preparation, documentation, and communication of results.
• Prepare the lab for daily operations: stocking materials, managing equipment, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
• Provide animal care related to research studies, as necessary.
• Manage organization of materials, samples, documents, and other items.
• Dispose of laboratory materials and samples according to established guidelines.
• Maintain logs, documents, databases, and related materials.
• Support research issue resolution and process improvement recommendations.
• Assist with review and implementation of lab support policies, practices, and programs.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; seek guidance or escalation when required.
• Assist with reagent inventory and ordering.
• Assist with manuscript preparation, editing, and submission.
• Submit research abstracts for presentation at national conferences.

• Clear, concise note‑taking and recording of data (5%)
• Reagent preparation (5%)
• Laboratory meeting and 1:1 meeting preparation (10%)
• Manuscript preparation (10%)
• Laboratory supply ordering and invoice tracking (10%)
• Biomechanical analysis of samples (10%)
• Histology/Immunofluorescence (15%)
• Nanoparticle fabrication
• Biomaterial synthesis and fabrication
• Electrospinning
• Ex vivo murine model work, including dissections and termination procedures (35%)
• Peña Laboratory Specific Roles/Responsibilities:
  • Biomaterial synthesis
  • Nanoparticle fabrication using standard laboratory practices
  • Add with biomaterials and nanoparticle characterization
  • Assessment of biomechanical properties of cells, tissues, and biomaterials using atomic force microscopy and other biomechanics techniques
  • Engineering of in‑vitro models (3D models, engineered heart tissues, cardiac spheroids, organoids)
  • Learn downstream readouts including flow cytometry, histology preparation and interpretation.
  • Be willing to learn side by side with PI as we conduct translational heart transplantation research.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.
• Substitution: a combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.
• Cell culture experience.
• Nanoparticle formation experience.
• Polymer synthesis experience.
• Training in molecular techniques with a strong theoretical understanding and experience in interpretation of results.
• Experience in laboratory animal management and handling.
• Laboratory management skills.

• Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques,…