Post Doctoral Research Fellow, BioEngineering, Charlotte

Department: 37403 WFUHS: Charlotte Campus - Surgery: Orthopedics Status: Full time Benefits Eligible: Yes Hou rs Per Week: 40 Schedule Details/Additional Information: Schedule Details: Full time Pay Range: $30.70 - $46.05 Job Summary: The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to lead studies related to the prevention and treatment of infection following severe trauma. Infection after trauma-induced bone fractures are common and disabling, despite decades of prevention efforts. Antibiotic coated implants are a promising potential strategy to reduce infection rates, but their effects on host cell attachment, bacterial colonization, and construct mechanics are not well characterized, limiting their widespread adoption. The postdoctoral researcher will lead studies characterizing coated implants across two complementary domains: the biologic interface (host cell response against bacterial colonization) and the biomechanical/biomaterials interface (how coatings affect implant material properties and mechanics). These pre-clinical studies will be conducted in parallel with an ongoing prospective longitudinal observational clinical study, providing a unique opportunity for the postdoc to integrate mechanistic findings with clinical outcomes. The position is co-advised across musculoskeletal biology labs and biomechanics/biomaterials labs, with the mentorship plan shaped by the candidate's background and interests. We welcome applicants from biology or engineering who want to work across that divide. The role draws on funded studies spanning preclinical models, engineering approaches, and clinical research, and sits within a large academic medical center with substantial trauma volume and established translational infrastructure. Major Responsibilities: Collaborates with project teams in developing and implementing research plans and protocols, conducting analyses, and preparing reports, abstracts and manuscripts. Conducts research experiments and assures the validity and reliability of all collected data. In consultation with Research Scientists, monitors the operation of complex technical procedures and equipment. Assists in design and/or modification of experimental and routine research and/or patient-related testing procedures according to the needs of the department. Performs regular scientific literature searches and maintains current and complete literature referencing. Submits grant application(s) to obtain research funding and manuscript(s) for publication based on research project. Education Required: Doctorate Degree. Our Commitment to You: Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including: Compensation Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job Incentive pay for select positions Opportunity for annual increases based on performance Benefits and more Paid Time Off programs Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs Educational Assistance Program Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview. About Advocate Health  Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.