Lead Research Scientist - Tissue Engineering & Microphysiology

Department SDSMT-Karen M. Swindler Chemical and Biological Engineering 1

Physical Location of Position (City)

Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City

Posting Text

The Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at South Dakota Mines is seeking applications for a Research Scientist IV, benefited position at 100% effort. This position will be responsible for designing and executing experimental research, advising student researchers, disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conference presentations, and contributing to the identification and preparation of funding proposals.

The candidate will be developing and managing the new Tissue Engineering and Cell Culture Laboratory ( TECCL ) as well as the Soft Matter (SoMa) Characterization Facility, overseeing budget, and serving as PI/Co-PI on research grants and contracts. This position will make continued progress in our effort to investigate tissue engineering, cell culture, materials science, microfluidics, vasculature, and soft-matter characterization, including investigations of process-structure-property-performance relations, such as our work on the deleterious effects of radiation in a human microphysiological platform.

Other responsibilities will include overseeing growth of the biomedical science and engineering research in the unit, coordinating outreach efforts, and building and disseminating teaching modules.

Qualifications:

A PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related field is required, along with at least 5 years of related experience. The applicant should have expertise in mammalian cell culture and tissue engineering, including endocytosis, mechanotransduction, cell viability, viral transfection, cytotoxicity screening, inflammatory screening, cell compatibility, and modified media formulation. Additionally, the applicant should have expertise in advanced materials characterization, advanced manufacturing (e.g., CAD , stereo lithography, additive manufacturing, extrusion, or electrospinning) of polymeric materials, thin-film coatings (e.g., dip coating, blade coating), organic polymer synthesis, rheology (e.g., rotational, extensional, intrinsic), particle characterization (e.g., zeta sizing, DLS ), microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, DIC , phase contrast, AFM , FLIM - FRET , SEM ), and/or polymer processing and characterization (e.g., MTD , MFI , DSC , TGA ).

Extensive understanding of design and utilization of microphysiological systems is preferred. Experience leading large teams, mentoring at various levels, coordinating outreach efforts, teaching, grant writing, grant management, and dissemination (i.e., oral presenting and manuscript writing) are also preferred.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu . South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at  or hr .

Review of applications will begin August 31, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Please attach a cover letter, full curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference). The cover letter should briefly describe your interest in the position and summarize the qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate.

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/17/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

First Consideration Date

First Consideration Date 08/31/2026

Advertised Salary

Advertised Salary Salary commensurate with candidate’s experience

Duration of the Term

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent

Appointment Percent 100%

Work Hours

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Regular

Faculty Status

Faculty Status No

Scope of Search

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

This position requires No…