Postdoctoral Researcher: Bioink Development and 3D Bioprinting

Overview

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation is developing personalized therapeutic solutions using advanced micro- and nanoscale technologies to address major challenges in organ failure, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The Institute works closely with clinicians, including interventional radiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons, to translate biomaterials and biofabrication technologies into clinical therapies.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working on injectable hydrogels, bioink development, advanced 3D bioprinting, and cell delivery systems for tissue and organ engineering applications. The position focuses on the development of advanced bioinks and embedded 3D bioprinting platforms to engineer vascularized organ constructs incorporating functional vasculature and bile duct architectures, with a particular emphasis on liver tissue engineering. The candidate will also perform in vitro cell culture studies and utilize molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR, to evaluate cellular function, maturation, and tissue organization. The successful candidate will contribute to the specifically on development of next-generation bioinks and bio fabrication platforms for regenerative medicine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on bioink development, 3D bioprinting, and cell delivery technologies for minimally invasive and micro engineered biomedical applications.


• Design, develop, and characterize novel bioinks and biomaterial systems for tissue engineering.


• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data, including performing literature reviews.


• Disseminate research findings through group meetings, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.


• Assist in training junior lab members and support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and ordering supplies.


• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams across the institute to develop innovative solutions to biomedical challenges.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Strong experience with multiple 3D bioprinting modalities, including:
  
  
  
  • Droplet-based bioprinting (inkjet, microvalve, or acoustic printing)
  
  
  • Embedded bioprinting (e.g., FRESH, granular support bath, or yield-stress support systems)
  
  
  • Volumetric bioprinting (light-based rapid volumetric fabrication)
  
  
  
  


• Experience in the design, formulation, and characterization of diverse bioinks, including:
  
  
  
  • Hydrogel-based bioinks (GelMA, alginate, PEG, fibrin, etc.)
  
  
  • Nanocomposite and functional bioinks
  
  
  • Cell-laden and injectable bioinks
  
  
  
  


• Experience with:
  
  
  
  • Hydrogel characterization (rheology, mechanical testing, swelling, degradation)
  
  
  • In vitro cell culture and cell delivery systems
  
  
  • Flow cytometry and gene/protein expression analysis
  
  
  • Molecular biology techniques
  
  
  
  

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research statement (1–3 pages)
  • Contact information for three professional references