Postdoctoral Researcher Position: iPSC Bioprocess Development

Position Description

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position focused on the development of scalable human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) manufacturing platforms. This position will support translational research efforts aimed at advancing stem cell engineering technologies toward clinical application.

TIBI is an independent nonprofit research institute dedicated to developing personalized therapeutic solutions using advanced micro- and nanoscale technologies to address organ failure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In collaboration with clinical and translational partners, the Institute integrates stem cell biology, biomaterials science, and biofabrication to accelerate regenerative medicine strategies.

The successful candidate will conduct research centered on dynamic suspension culture systems, including vertical-wheel bioreactor platforms, to enable scalable and reproducible iPSC expansion workflows.

Research Responsibilities

• Establish and optimize human iPSC expansion in vertical-wheel bioreactor systems.
• Control and characterize aggregate formation, size distribution, and culture uniformity.
• Optimize bioprocess parameters including agitation rate, oxygen transfer, feeding strategies, and media exchange protocols.
• Develop scalable, high-density suspension culture workflows suitable for translational and preclinical applications.
• Perform analytical characterization of cell populations using flow cytometry, qPCR, immunostaining, and related assays.
• Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in stem cell differentiation, biomaterials, and tissue engineering.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and technical reports for peer-reviewed publication and sponsor review.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with human iPSC culture.
• Experience with suspension culture systems and/or bioreactor-based expansion platforms.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and troubleshooting skills.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity (peer-reviewed publications or equivalent research contributions).

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with vertical-wheel bioreactor systems.
• Knowledge of oxygen transfer dynamics, metabolic monitoring, and process parameter optimization.
• Experience scaling stem cell cultures beyond small laboratory formats.
• Familiarity with translational research considerations, including reproducibility and manufacturability.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A 1–2 page research statement detailing prior experience in stem cell bioprocessing and future research interests
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.