Professional Development
Postdoctoral Seminar Series
At the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS), we are committed to providing Postdoctoral Research Fellows with a research- and resource-intensive training environment. Launched in January 2022, the HFHS Postdoc Seminar Series is a monthly meeting organized by Postdocs for Postdocs, featuring presentations that alternate between research and career development. With presenters from each of the research departments at HFHS, this seminar series offers a way to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and expand skill sets. Career development presentations include topics such as grant writing, delivering presentations, and networking, each designed to help Postdocs achieve their career goals. HFHS Postdocs have the opportunity to get involved as a member of the organizing committee, as a presenter or moderator, or as an audience member – all of which offer membership to this community.
Employment Opportunities
Laboratory Research Assistant/Associate in the Musculoskeletal Therapeutics Section
Applications are invited for a Lab Research Assistant/Associate position within the Musculoskeletal Therapeutics Section of the Bone & Joint Center at Henry Ford Health. The Musculoskeletal Therapeutics Section of the Bone & Joint Center focuses on the development of regenerative medicine- and immune-based treatment strategies for a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Two main clinical focus areas are post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and degenerative disc disease (DDD). The PTOA clinical focus area involves understanding how immune cells and the bone marrow responds to joint injury, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, and how this leads to the development of progressive osteoarthritis of the knee. The DDD clinical focus area involves the development of pharmacologic and tissue engineering strategies to enhance the repair and regeneration of the intervertebral disc.
Qualified candidates will have a B.S. or M.S. degree in molecular/cell biology, or related field. Ideal applicants will have significant hands-on experience in mammalian cell isolation, cell culture, optical/fluorescence microscopy, as well as qPCR and ELISA techniques. Previous experience with MSK-relevant cells (mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, etc.), as well as experience working research environment is highly desirable, but not necessary. The candidate should also be willing to learn new techniques, including but not limited to: flow cytometry, cell sorting, and single cell RNA-sequencing. This is a full-time position with salary (commensurate with experience) and benefits (medical, dental, and life insurance, 403(b)-based retirement plan, and more). At times, this position involves interacting with numerous individuals from a variety of backgrounds and therefore requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
The Bone & Joint Center is located within the Wayne State University Integrative Biosciences Center in Detroit, Michigan and is affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Henry Ford Health. There is also a new affiliation with the College of Human Medicine of Michigan State University. Bone & Joint Center staff include individuals with expertise in biomechanics, cell/molecular biology, mechanobiology, motion analysis, regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and advanced imaging.
Most importantly, we all work well together to solve challenging problems in Orthopaedics. Science is a team sport and if you are excited about these topics, we want you to be a part of our team! Send your CV/resume (with 2-3 references) and a written description of your hands-on cell and molecular biology experience to Kevin Baker, Ph.D. at kbaker13@hfhs.org.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biomechanics
Applications are invited for a post-doctoral fellowship position within the Biomechanics Section of the Bone and Joint Center Research Laboratories at Henry Ford Health System (Detroit, MI). The successful applicant will initially be involved with DOD-funded clinical projects focused on assessment of bone quality using new methods based on digital tomosynthesis imaging, and identifying strategies for successful implementation. The candidate will also be expected to advance existing projects as well as develop and lead new projects. Support for career development will be available for motivated individuals.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated research potential, a record of peer-reviewed publications, a strong desire for multidisciplinary collaborations, and expertise that is complementary to the Bone & Joint Center’s existing capabilities. A strong work ethic and excellent oral/written communication skills are also essential. Experience in musculoskeletal image analysis is desired but not required. The initial appointment will be for 12 months, with additional 12-month extensions available based on performance.
The Bone & Joint Center is a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in a range of orthopaedic disciplines including cell/molecular biology, genomics, biomechanics, and imaging. Scientists in the Bone & Joint Center have a strong history of collaboration with the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Rheumatology, Radiology, Public Health Science, and Endocrinology at Henry Ford Health System. The Bone & Joint Center is located within new laboratory space in Wayne State University’s state-of-the-art Integrative Biosciences Center. Additional information can be found at https://www.hfhs-bjc.org/.
Applicants should submit their CV, a statement of research interests and career goals, and contact information for three references, to Yener N. Yeni, PhD at yeni@bjc.hfh.edu. Anticipated start is September 2021, but it is negotiable. Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Henry Ford Hospital is an AA/EO Employer.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you're a hard worker who learns quickly and you're looking to gain research experience, then we may have a short-term research opportunity available for you. Contact us by e-mail at bjc@hfhs.org and tell us about your background, your previous experience, and what you're hoping to get out of a volunteer position.