Research Scientist

About the Role

As a Research Scientist in our Michigan dental materials research laboratory, you will be a core member of a small, hands‑on R&D team. This newly established lab provides in‑house in vitro remineralization testing and biomaterials characterization. Reporting to the Lab Director, you will design and run studies on tooth specimens, prepare imaging‑ready specimens, and perform advanced characterization on shared instrumentation at the University of Michigan campus.

You will collaborate closely with the parent‑company R&D group, helping translate vVARDIS's proprietary peptide and remineralization technology from concept to clinical reality.

• Contribute to the design and execution of in vitro remineralization studies on enamel and dentin, including controlled demineralization/remineralization challenges, mineral‑uptake, surface and cross‑sectional measurements.
• Develop, optimize, and validate test protocols and standard operating procedures, ensuring reproducibility, sound experimental design, and appropriate controls across studies.
• Interpret analytical and imaging results, perform statistical analysis, and synthesize findings into clear reports and quality data for internal R&D and the parent‑company team.
• Prepare hard‑tissue and material specimens as needed to imaging‑ready quality (sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing) and execute advanced imaging and characterization — including SEM, FIB, EDS, TEM, Raman, XRD, SAX/WAXS, NanoSIMS, FTIR, Hardness, MicroCT, TOF‑MS, and atom probe tomography using instrumentation at the University of Michigan campus and internal lab resources.
• Support characterization of new peptide candidates for structure and efficacy, both in the laboratory and through advanced analysis at the University of Michigan.
• Contribute to laboratory quality and safety, including SDS and chemical management, instrument upkeep, and help train and mentor technical staff.

• PhD in materials science, chemistry, biomedical engineering, oral health sciences or a related field
• 2+ years of relevant research experience
• Ideal candidates will have a graduate research focus in materials characterization, ideally applied to mineralized or biological tissues (enamel, dentin, or bone) with hands‑on time at a shared materials‑characterization facility (e.g., electron microscopy, XRD, or nanoindentation core). Exposure to peptide or biomolecule structure–function work is an additional plus.

• Strong analytical skills, with sound experimental design and statistical interpretation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific report writing
• Hands‑on experience in an experimental laboratory setting, with rigorous attention to protocol, reproducibility, and safety
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, multidisciplinary team
• Experience with hard‑tissue specimen handling

• X‑ray crystallography and materials characterization (XRD, WAXS/SAXS)
• FTIR, Raman, ICP‑MS experience, NanoSIMS, WAX/SAX, XRD
• SEM, FIB, EDS, TEM, time‑of‑flight mass spectrometry (TOF‑MS)
• Metallographic specimen preparation (sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing)
• Familiarity with peptide characterization and biomaterials testing

vVARDIS is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.