Research Fellow, Infection Biology & Ex Vivo Models

Overview

Auxilium is a biomaterials company developing solutions for tissue infections and regeneration. We are setting the stage for the next generation of biomaterials that promote effective wound healing and improve outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals. Our mission is to heal patients from day one.

The role

Auxilium is seeking an exceptional, collaborative, and analytical Research Fellow in Microbiology to join our pioneering team. As we transition our materials into more complex biological environments, we require a fellow with deep expertise in infection biology and tissue modeling. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience developing ex vivo
wound models (porcine or human) and is excited by the challenge of building a new experimental platform from the ground up.

In this role, you will be the biological lead for our wound-care stream. You will be responsible for establishing the laboratory infrastructure and protocols necessary to test our biomaterials against clinically relevant biofilms in complex tissue environments. You will work at the intersection of microbiology and host-tissue integration, providing the critical data that bridges the gap between in vitro assays and in vivo success.

• Lead the setup of a new ex vivo experimental platform, including equipment selection, SOP development, and establishing BSL-2 biosafety and containment procedures.
• Develop and execute ex vivo tissue models (porcine, human explants, or organotypic skin) to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial biomaterials in realistic wound environments.
• Perform quantitative analysis of bacterial colonization and biofilm inhibition using CFU enumeration and metabolic activity assays (e.g., XTT, resazurin).
• Utilize advanced microscopy (Confocal) and image-based analysis (Image
  
  J) to quantify biofilm coverage, thickness, and tissue integration.
• Manage logistics for the new lab space, including coordination with EHS, procurement of specialized reagents, and vendor management.
• Analyze complex datasets to build mechanistic understandings of how our materials interact with both pathogens and host tissue, translating these findings into slide decks and technical summaries.

• Current Ph.D. candidate in Microbiology, Infection Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with skin, wound, or burn models (porcine/human explants). Proficiency in aseptic tissue handling, sectioning, and viability preservation is essential.
• Demonstrated experience setting up a laboratory or new experimental platform, including equipment qualification and safety protocol authorship.
• Practical experience culturing clinically relevant pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and performing standardized antimicrobial/biofilm assays.
• Proficiency in confocal microscopy and image-based quantification of biofilms and tissue samples.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, early-stage environment; enjoys owning scientific questions end-to-end, from literature review to iterative experimental design.

• Opportunity to lead the establishment of a new biological testing capability within a high-growth startup.
• Direct involvement in advancing infection-prevention technologies toward clinical use.
• Work closely with founders and leadership to shape the company’s biological validation strategy.
• A 3 to 6-month fellowship structure that can be aligned with your PhD thesis or postdoctoral research objectives.