"Research Scientist - College of Engineering - Department of Biomedical Engineering"

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a highly skilled and creative Research Scientist to lead Organ Biofabrication for the LIVE project, a multi-institutional initiative focused on developing transplantable bioprinted liver constructs. This encompasses the full pipeline of organ biofabrication-from computational design and advanced bioprinting to bioreactor maturation and in vivo validation. The LIVE project represents a bold and collaborative effort to overcome the most critical barriers in organ biofabrication and regenerative medicine. As part of the ARPA-H PRINT program, our goal is to develop a fully functional, immunocompetent, bioprinted human liver construct capable of clinical transplantation.

Responsibilities: The Research Scientist will be responsible for technical management of this complex and multidisciplinary effort. This role is not only technical-it is strategic, collaborative, and deeply translational. The successful candidate will guide the development of novel software tools for organ blueprint generation and robotic print pathing, oversee the construction and operation of multi-modal bioprinting platforms, and lead the design of bioreactors capable of sustaining organ maturation for up to 30 days. In addition to technical execution, this role demands leadership in mentoring and team development. The Research Scientist will supervise and support graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff across multiple institutions, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and scientific rigor. They will serve as a key liaison between CMU and partner organizations including the University of Washington, Mayo Clinic, FluidForm Bio, and the University of Pittsburgh, ensuring seamless integration of efforts across computational modeling, fabrication, and preclinical testing. The program culminates in the in vivo validation of bioprinted liver constructs in rodent and porcine models, including IND-enabling studies. The Research Scientist will play a central role in coordinating these studies, analyzing outcomes, and preparing regulatory documentation in collaboration with clinical and regulatory teams.

This position offers a rare opportunity to provide senior leadership to a transformative initiative at the intersection of bioengineering, regenerative medicine, and clinical translation. The ideal candidate will bring not only technical excellence but also a passion for mentoring, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to advancing the future of organ transplantation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development of liver-specific computational blueprints and bioslicer software for multi-arm robotic bioprinting.
• Oversee design and integration of advanced organ-scale perfusion bioreactors.
• Direct formulation and validation of ECM-based and photocrosslinkable bioinks.
• Manage construction and operation of multi-modal bioprinting systems, including 3D-ICE and light-pipe FRESH platforms.
• Coordinate in vitro efficacy testing and in vivo safety and functionality studies in rodent and porcine models.
• Collaborate with regulatory teams to support IND-enabling studies and documentation.
• Mentor graduate students, postdocs, and junior staff across CMU and partner institutions, providing technical guidance, career development support, and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Biofabrication, Tissue Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in organ bioengineering, bioprinting, or bioreactor development.
• Demonstrated success in leading or senior roles in collaborative research projects.
• Experience in computational modeling, imaging systems, and biosensors.
• Experience with in vivo models and surgical implantation techniques.

Required Leadership & Mentoring Skills:

• Strategic Planning: Ability to execute a multi-phase technical roadmap aligned with program milestones.
• Team Leadership: Proven experience with interdisciplinary teams and fostering collaboration across institutions.
• Mentorship: Commitment to mentoring junior researchers, including PhD students and postdocs, with a focus on skill development, publication support, and career advancement.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to track deliverables, manage timelines, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem Solving: Ability to anticipate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and adapt to evolving technical challenges.

Opportunities:

• Lead a transformative effort to develop transplantable bioprinted liver tissue.
• Collaborate with world-class teams in biofabrication, regenerative medicine, and clinical translation.
• Contribute to IND-enabling studies and future first-in-human trials.
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at leading conferences.