Animal Surgery – Regenerative Medicine for Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Disease

The Bursac Lab at Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking an individual with strong experience in animal surgery and handling. The main research interests of the Bursac group are in cell and gene therapy applications for cardiac and skeletal muscle injury and disease. For cardiac regeneration research, experiments will involve induction of myocardial infarction and transverse aortic constriction in mice and rats, followed by implantation of a bioengineered cardiac tissue patch or injection of therapeutic cells or viruses, as well as assistance with histological and physiological studies to assess therapeutic effects, including echocardiographic measurements. For skeletal muscle regeneration studies, experiments will involve generation of a large volumetric muscle loss injuries in mice followed by implantation of engineered muscle tissues or injection of therapeutic viruses at the site of muscle injury as well as assistance with physiological measurements and histological studies to assess therapeutic effects. This position will also involve writing and maintenance of related animal and safety protocols.

Qualifications include BS, MS, PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent degrees in physiology, veterinary medicine, medicine, or other relevant areas of biomedical sciences. The ideal candidate will possess strong surgical training in small animals, be highly self-motivated and able to do independent troubleshooting. Experience with heart and muscle injury models and related physiological studies will be given priority. The Bursac research group and Duke University is a highly diverse and stimulating environment that provides excellent opportunities for scientific growth in the pursuit of a variety of careers. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

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