Research Fellow

Summary

Under the direction of Dr. Hirotaka Iijima (Harvard Medical School & Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital) and Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio (Harvard Medical School & Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital), the post-doctoral fellow will lead a multidisciplinary project mechanistically investigating the role of sex and gender in the development of knee osteoarthritis.

Postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of knee osteoarthritis and present with more severe disease progression over time. However, it is still unclear whether these differences are genetic in nature, hormonal in nature, or a combination of the two. In this project, we will investigate whether and how changes in the chondrocyte microenvironment-including soluble factors and extracellular matrix stiffening-drive disease pathogenesis in a sex-, gender-, and age-dependent manner. Our long-term goal is to develop novel, sex-specific therapeutics that will prevent or delay joint dysfunction and ameliorate the burden of knee osteoarthritis. This project spans molecular/cellular biology and computational biology together with bioengineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the field of molecular/cellular biology and bioengineering for joint tissues (i.e. small animal handling, intraperitoneal and intra-articular injection, histological analysis of the joint tissues, primary chondrocyte isolation and characterization, etc.).
• Conduct literature searches.
• Draft manuscripts for peer review publications in scientific journals.
• Assist with developing grant proposals with suitable preliminary studies sections to compete for federal, foundation and industry research grants.
• Work independently under general supervision and weekly meetings.
• Mentor junior lab members.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

The post-doctoral fellow should be willing to mentor and work closely with students and/or research technicians.

Qualifications and Experience

Education/Degree

Required: PhD degree.

Experience

Required:

• Evidence of a strong publication record related to osteoarthritis, including first (or co-first) author of one or more peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Wet lab experience.
• Experience of small animal handling.

Desirable:

• Experience collaborating with investigators in the fields of bioengineering.
• Bioinformatic skills using R or Python.

Skills

Required:

• Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with the English language
• High skills with histological analysis of joint tissues

Preferred:

• Highly developed communications and interpersonal skills, working with diverse population.
• High writing skills with suitable preliminary studies sections to compete for federal, foundation and industry research grants.
• Skills for literature research.
• Work independently, be self-directed and contribute as a member of a team.
• Anticipates challenges and develops and implements strategies for addressing them.
• High level of service delivery. Demonstrate initiative with ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and adapt to changing situations.

Spaulding is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.