Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical researchers, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building will start, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Exciting Opportunity in Transfusion Medicine Research

The Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) and Medical Sciences Institute is seeking to recruit independent investigators at a level equivalent to Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in Transfusion Medicine.

Transfusion Medicine Faculty Positions

VBRI is seeking innovative transfusion medicine physicians with current or will develop an independently funded clinical and/or epidemiologic research program. A role within the NIH funded Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS) is anticipated. Candidates with expertise in transfusion medicine or blood banking are encouraged to apply. Transfusion Medicine clinical duties include overseeing blood bank at our partner hospitals, transfusion medicine consultations, oversight of QC/QA activities, medical oversight of plasma exchange, red cell exchange, photopheresis, LDL apheresis and cellular collections. Teaching opportunities of medical students, residents, and fellows are encouraged as well. An approximately equal effort in protected research and clinical transfusion medicine is expected.

Why Join the Versiti Blood Research Institute?

The VBRI is part of Versiti, a neting in early 2026. The VBRI is located on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus and entertains extensive collaborations with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital. VBRI researchers have access to MCW graduate students and an NHLBI-funded T32 program for post-doctoral fellows. VBRI faculty typically hold an appointment at MCW, including clinical departments, to faciliot-for-profit organization focused on all aspects of hematology, including diagnostic testing, supply of blood products, and leading-edge basic, clinical and translational/basic research. A founding principle of Versiti is transfusion medicine research. We have a long history of groundbreaking discoveries and have participated in the NHLBI funded REDS program for over 20 years. The VBRI jointly houses 25 principal investigators pursuing clinical and translational/basic research grouped in 4 research programs (Thrombosis & Hemostasis; Vascular Biology, Transfusion Medicine & Cellular Therapies; Hematopoiesis; and Immunology). A significant expansion of research capacity is underway, with plans to add 18 new principal investigators over a 5–7-year period to a new, state-of-the-art 80,000 ft² addition to the VBRI scheduled for complete basic and translational research.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking to recruit transfusion medicine physicians with an M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree. Successful candidates will have a track record of research creativity and productivity, a desire to integrate into our dynamic, collaborative, and rapidly expanding research community, and a commitment to our core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Successful candidates are expected to develop an innovative research program, obtain extramural funding, and participate actively in education, training, and mentorship.

How do you apply?

Qualified applicants should submit a single pdf containing a cover letter, CV, summary of research accomplishments and future research plans (four pages maximum), along with names and contact information for up to four references to be sent to ehenschel@versiti.org. Versiti is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, and strongly encourages applications from individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. Versiti is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. 

Milwaukee|milwaukee.org. Located on the west side of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a well-kept secret of affordable quality of life. The city boasts a range of museums, some of the nation's largest summer festivals, a multi-cultural population rich in culinary and artistic tradition, a progressive downtown area, and many outdoor recreation opportunities, including plenty of parks, river walks, and public beaches. Housing is affordable, public and parochial schools are excellent, and traffic is a breeze. Milwaukee neighborhoods are known for variety, character, and unique architecture, offering superb quality of life and exceptional work-life balance in a city rife with history. With Chicago only 75 minutes away, world-class cultural and sporting venues and one of the world’s busiest air travel hubs are within easy reach.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employees are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• Defines and implements an externally funded research program
• Potential clinical duties:
• Transfusion medicine consultations, oversight of QC/QA activities, medical oversight of plasma exchange, red cell exchange, photopheresis, LDL apheresis and cellular collections
• Eligible for a faculty appointment at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor Level at a local University/Medical School
• Maintains an active scientific publications record
• Contributes to growth and viability of Versiti Science and Technology programs
• Mentors medical trainees, pre/post doctoral Fellows and/or Research Scientists
• Adheres to Versiti, Bio-safety, NRC and OSHA procedures and regulations
• Grant administration and budget responsibilities
• May prepare and/or authorize requisitions for ordering supplies and equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Tools and Technology

• Specialized research laboratory equipment required
• Personal Computer required