Nonclinical Lab Research Assistant

Position: Nonclinical Lab Research Assistant

Location: Onsite - Blue Ash, OH

Duration: 12-month contract - possibility for extensions

Schedule: Monday-Friday (8-9am - 5pm)

Start: ASAP

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and technically advanced Research Assistant to support preclinical device evaluation and next-generation physiological modeling initiatives.

This role sits within the Preclinical Research team and focuses on the design, development, execution, and interpretation of advanced bioreactor-based studies to evaluate the safety and performance of medical devices. The selected candidate will play a critical role in building sophisticated, physiologically relevant 3D models that replicate real-world biological systems with high fidelity and reliability.

This is a highly technical, laboratory-intensive role requiring deep hands-on expertise in system design, electromechanical engineering, tissue engineering, and biological model integration. The ideal candidate can contribute immediately with minimal training and thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance research environment.

Core Responsibilities

System Design & Physiological Model Innovation

• Lead the exploration, design, and development of advanced 3D physiological and bioreactor-based systems that mimic real-world biological conditions.
• Design, build, optimize, and maintain sophisticated ex-vivo tissue and organ testing platforms.
• Develop automated feedback control algorithms for physiological systems to ensure accurate simulation of biological dynamics.
• Architect and iteratively improve laboratory system infrastructure to enhance reliability, repeatability, and data integrity.
• Drive innovation in non-animal testing models for medical device evaluation.

Electromechanical System Development

• Design and optimize electromechanical systems for tissue- and organ-level device testing.
• Develop advanced measurement and control systems using LabVIEW and related tools.
• Lead rapid prototyping of custom components using 3D modeling (SolidWorks) and additive manufacturing.
• Integrate hardware and biological systems to create seamless testing environments.
• Contribute to extracorporeal support system design (preferred background in electrical engineering).

Hands-On Laboratory Execution

• Perform meticulous hands-on laboratory work involving:
• 3D printing and additive manufacturing
• Tissue engineering
• Cell culture systems
• Ex-vivo tissue and organ testing
• Execute and support bioreactor-based experimental studies aligned with ongoing research initiatives.
• Maintain precision and attention to detail in all lab procedures, recognizing that the work involves intricate techniques and system “tricks.”
• Ensure laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to institutional research standards.

Data, Analysis & Scientific Reporting

• Collect, store, and manage experimental data with scientific rigor and traceability.
• Apply statistical and computational tools to analyze and interpret data.
• Generate detailed technical documentation and formal reports.
• Present findings clearly and effectively to cross-functional research and engineering teams.
• Contribute to study design refinement based on data-driven insights.

Research & Continuous Advancement

• Maintain a disciplined schedule of reviewing scientific publications to stay ahead of industry standards and emerging technologies.
• Explore and evaluate novel technologies not yet widely adopted in practice.
• Contribute strategically to core project discussions to drive team growth and visible outcomes.
• Demonstrate long-term commitment to advancing competitive medical device innovation.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. strongly preferred in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Master’s-level candidates will be considered only if their direct laboratory experience precisely matches the required hands-on output and technical depth.

Experience

• 3–5 years of high-level research experience in advanced biomedical or electromechanical laboratory environments.
• Demonstrated experience designing non-animal testing models for medical device evaluation.
• Proven experience in bioreactor design for ex-vivo tissue or organ testing.
• Strong background in electromechanical engineering (mechatronics, robotics, control systems).
• Hands-on experience in 3D printing, tissue engineering, and cell culture (non-negotiable).
• Experience designing electromechanical systems for tissue- or organ-level device evaluation.
• Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, tissue mechanics, and biological system dynamics.
• Experience working in regulated R&D environments preferred.
• Familiarity with medical device design controls preferred.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in:
• SolidWorks (3D modeling and design)
• LabVIEW (advanced system measurement and control)
• Strong statistical and computational analysis capabilities.
• Ability to develop automated feedback control algorithms.
• Deep understanding of integrated biological and engineering systems.
• Background in electrical engineering related to extracorporeal systems is a significant plus.

Cultural & Performance Expectations

This role requires an individual who can immediately contribute to a highly specialized research initiative.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• “Hit the Ground Running” Capability – Sufficient depth of expertise to operate independently with minimal training.
• Exceptional Attention to Detail – Ability to manage intricate system nuances and precision-based lab techniques.
• Research Passion & Long-Term Commitment – A mindset suited for the “marathon” of innovation in medical device development.
• Intellectual Curiosity – Openness to learning technologies that may not yet exist in mainstream practice.
• Straightforward Communication Style – Clear, efficient collaboration in a high-performance team environment.
• Resilience in Demanding Conditions – Comfort working in an intensive research setting that may occasionally require extended hours (including 12-hour days) to meet project milestones.