This position is a good opportunity for a junior or a senior postdoc fellow who wishes to be successful in their academic career. They will receive training in various aspects (e.g. project and proposal writing, article writing, new technology training, and others), as well as the opportunity to collaborate with our clinical faculty, institute researchers, and our laboratory students. The lab is led by Dr. Yong Li, who is a well-known professor in stem cell regulations and applications, fibrosis prevention, genetic and epigenetic modifications in the field of musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. Dr. Li is a recognized expert in the field of tissue injury and repair with his use of stem cells to improve musculoskeletal tissue repair and clinical translational studies. He spearheaded an exciting project that aims to research limb muscle atrophy after neuronal or musculoskeletal injuries, as well as research limb regrowth/regeneration after amputation. His research also extends to other groundbreaking areas, such as use of autologous blood clots combined with stem cells and other drugs (e.g. antibiotics to improve skin wound healing and prevent infections).  

• Responsible for establishing workflows, design, and execute experiments with high level of independence, organization, and scientific rigor.
• Responsible for establishing SOPs and adapt new protocols from literature.
• Perform data analysis and develop strategies for troubleshooting and/or optimization.
• Mentor junior colleagues and students.
• Present data and write original manuscripts.
• Develop innovative hypothesis driven projects and write grants.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends and evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The professional will be actively involved in advancing the ongoing projects as well as developing new hypothesis-based projects and will have the opportunity to work with other researchers and clinicians. The candidate should have research experience in the field of cellular or molecular biology and have independent research ability.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• PhD or MD degree in Cellular Biological, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Regenerative Medicine, Gene and Cell Therapy, or related disciplines.
• Previous research experience in stem cells, or genetic studies on orthepaedic tissue regeneration is preferred.
• Evaluations of the mechanical or biological properties of musculoskeletal tissues, such as cartilage, bone, and muscle, as well as experiences with chondrogenic, osteogenic, or myogenic differentiations are taken into consideration.
• The consideration also includes experiences in the small animal studies (e.g. mouse or rat).
• Strong publication track record in the past is desired.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical, and/or administrative nature within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology.
• Conducts research independently using one’s discretion, knowledge, and judgment.
• Analyzes data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments.
• Manages and guides lab members with the development of technical procedures and protocols.
• Provides feedback to lab members and department managers.
• Isolates and cultures primary musculoskeletal tissue-derived or bone marrow-derived stem cells for orthopaedic tissue repair (e.g. cartilage, bone, tendon, or limb muscles).
• Maintain and culture-induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs).
• Required skills include experience with one or more of the following: sterile tissue or cell culture, immunocyto- or histo-chemical staining and Fluorescence images, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis, protein immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or RT-PCR, Single-cell RNA sequence (scRNAqeq), CRISPR gene editing, next-generation sequencing, single cell sequencing, and Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP–seq) and basic bioinformatic analyses.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in the organization of workflow.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. Building upon a $100 million foundational gift in 2011, WMed is a recipient of the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and two Master of Science degree programs in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Engineering. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek. The Department of Pathology faculty serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with faculty and administrative offices, student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed is building upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace. 

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.