Research Scientist – Microsurgical Core at University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Research Scientist – Microsurgical Core

Med-Surgery - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001365)

The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute in the Department of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh has an immediate opening for a Research Scientist within the Microvascular Surgery Service. This position has been established to provide dedicated microsurgical expertise in support of preclinical transplantation research programs. The successful candidate will perform a high volume of technically demanding mouse microsurgical procedures, with a primary focus on heterotopic heart transplantation, life-sustaining kidney transplantation, islet transplantation, skin transplantation, and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA).

Working under the supervision of the service director and in close collaboration with established investigators, the Research Scientist will serve as the primary surgical resource enabling studies of transplant immunology, alloimmune rejection, and tolerance induction. This role is ideal for a candidate with formal surgical training who seeks to develop expertise at the interface of microsurgery and translational immunology research.

We welcome applications from clinically trained surgeons seeking to transition into a dedicated preclinical research environment. Candidates with a background in reconstructive or microvascular surgery will find their operative skill set directly applicable to the demands of this role. No prior rodent laboratory experience is required; structured onboarding and supervised adaptation to the rodent microsurgical model will be provided.

Doctoral degree in a relevant biomedical discipline, including but not limited to MD, MD/PhD, DVM, or PhD. Applications from surgeons holding an MD or equivalent clinical doctorate are strongly encouraged.

Job Summary

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

Essential Functions

Demonstrated high-level microsurgical competency, evidenced by clinical or research experience performing end-to-end or end-to-side vascular anastomoses on vessels 2 mm in diameter.

Proficiency with loupe or operative microscope-based dissection and the ability to work at sub-millimeter scale with suture 9-0; candidates with free flap or replantation experience routinely meet this standard.

Willingness to acquire and maintain all required laboratory animal research training certifications (e.g., CITI Program modules) and IACUC compliance requirements; institutional onboarding support is provided.

Capacity to adapt established clinical microsurgical principles to the rodent operative scale, including vessel preparation, anastomotic technique, and perioperative monitoring in a mouse model.

Strong organizational skills, attention to procedural detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary basic science research team.

Physical Effort

Must be able to see, have use of both hands and be able to stand and sit for long periods of time. The role requires sustained periods of fine motor work under operative microscopy in a controlled laboratory setting.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Research Scientist

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Research Science

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Professional Doctorate Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No

Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am-5:00pm; must be flexible for occasional early morning or weekend surgeries

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Cover Letter