Research Associate III, Biomedical Engineering

University of Delaware

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html


Job No: 500657
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Research & Laboratory, Full Time

PAY GRADE 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

With funding from the National Institutes of Health (R01 AR050052 “Disc Mechanics and Altered Loading in Degeneration”) the Biomedical Engineering Department of the University of Delaware is assembling a collaborative research group on the area of spine biomechanics. The main objectives of this group are to propose and develop projects, and to seek for external funding in the area of characterization and treatment of spine disorders. In this group, the targeted Research Associate will be responsible for elevating laboratory research quality and productivity and leading new projects in the area of spine scoliosis, including developing novel preclinical models, state of the art mechanical analysis, and sophisticated finite element modeling. We seek a highly motivated and creative individual who is interested in measuring how spine mechanical function is altered with disorders including disc degeneration, low back pain, and scoliosis. This project will include multi-axial mechanical testing, modeling of deformable porous media, and magnetic resonance imaging. Contributions to grant proposal writing, trainee mentoring, and a collaborative laboratory culture are expected. The candidate will contribute to established clinical collaborations with orthopaedic surgeons and large animal veterinarians.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, design, and execute new research direction in the area of spine scoliosis.
• Design and establish new testing systems and protocols for scoliosis applications, particularly to quantify spine segment multi-axial mechanical behavior to study functional impact of spine disorders.
• Conduct independent research; produce conference publications and journal articles and communicate research updates to the rest of the group.
• Mentor and train graduate students and other research employees.
• Represent the lab’s interests in intramural and extramural meetings.
• Ensure that priority projects, including grant proposals, are completed on schedule, coach students as appropriate.
• Cultivate a culture of effective research practices.
• Write research proposals for extramural funding jointly with the lab PI.
• Ensure the lab's equipment is in working order; perform repair/replacement or contract the work out as appropriate.
• Design and write software to support the lab's research.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree, PhD preferred, in biomedical engineering or related scientific discipline and three years of research experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to act in coordination with the lab PI or independently as appropriate.
• Good judgment, reliability, and integrity.
• Extensive familiarity with the biomechanics literature.
• Extensive experience applying experimental, modeling (especially FEA), and image analysis approaches to biomechanics research.
• Strong organization skills, especially under rapidly changing conditions.
• Proven ability to write maintainable software for data acquisition, analysis, and modeling, especially using the python, R, and Matlab scientific software stacks.
• Ability to rapidly learn and apply new skills.
• Ability to work with others with varied workflows, backgrounds, and skill levels, in both supportive and peer roles.
• Ability to maintain clear and comprehensive records.
• Ability to investigate and analyze large amounts of information and draw conclusions.
• Experience analyzing data using modern statistical methods.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain and oversee operations of laboratory facilities and/or equipment.
• Familiarity with major scientific funding programs, especially from the NIH, and ability to write high-scoring proposals.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

PI236243909