Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biomedical Engineering

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for applicants interested in patient-specific computational modeling of placental function. The goals of this project are to develop multiscale models of placental blood flow and oxygen diffusion in normal and pathological placentas. Managing collaborations with researchers both within and at other universities will be a priority; this will include working with clinical medicine, medical imaging, high-resolution tissue imaging, image thresholding and segmentation, and computational modeling. There is an opportunity to develop new AI- and machine learning-based approaches to facilitate steps of the process of converting image datasets to functional multiscale models. The individual will have the opportunity to design aspects of their own project and work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, medical imaging specialists, and clinicians in obstetrics.

In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of Professor Oyen including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield publications including journal articles and conference presentations and proceedings.
• Develops expertise in clinical in vivo and high-resolution ex vivo placental tissue imaging.
• Serves as a liaison between the Engineering and Medical Schools for this project.
• Engages with AI and machine learning experts in computer science to explore possible avenues for streamlining the modeling process.
• Mentors doctoral, master's and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting, and contributes to laboratory organization including meeting planning.
• Designs research experiments, evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Manages a conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards and handling of sensitive human subjects’ information in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with mentor regarding possession or distribution of images, models, and records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Performs with appropriate collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the university.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Self-motivated, independent, and possess training in computational modeling, model validation and troubleshooting, and use of open-source software.
• Demonstrated record of research achievement, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with a multidisciplinary research team.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested individuals should send a curriculum vitae to Dr. Oyen at [email protected] .

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for applicants interested in patient-specific computational modeling of placental function. The goals of this project are to develop multiscale models of placental blood flow and oxygen diffusion in normal and pathological placentas. Managing collaborations with researchers both within and at other universities will be a priority; this will include working with clinical medicine, medical imaging, high-resolution tissue imaging, image thresholding and segmentation, and computational modeling. There is an opportunity to develop new AI- and machine learning-based approaches to facilitate steps of the process of converting image datasets to functional multiscale models. The individual will have the opportunity to design aspects of their own project and work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, medical imaging specialists, and clinicians in obstetrics.

In addition to high-quality research facilities, career and professional development training for postdoctoral researchers is provided through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Career Center, Teaching Center, and campus groups. Additional information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs .

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of Professor Oyen including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield publications including journal articles and conference presentations and proceedings.
• Develops expertise in clinical in vivo and high-resolution ex vivo placental tissue imaging.
• Serves as a liaison between the Engineering and Medical Schools for this project.
• Engages with AI and machine learning experts in computer science to explore possible avenues for streamlining the modeling process.
• Mentors doctoral, master's and undergraduate students engaged in independent research activities.
• Develops proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Presents scientific work both inside and outside the university with excellent oral communication skills.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting, and contributes to laboratory organization including meeting planning.
• Designs research experiments, evaluates research findings and reports results.
• Manages a conscientious discharge of research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards and handling of sensitive human subjects’ information in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with mentor regarding possession or distribution of images, models, and records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Performs with appropriate collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adheres to all applicable university policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in university laboratories remain the property of the university.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• Self-motivated, independent, and possess training in computational modeling, model validation and troubleshooting, and use of open-source software.
• Demonstrated record of research achievement, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with a multidisciplinary research team.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

Interested individuals should send a curriculum vitae to Dr. Oyen at [email protected] .

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. Women, minorities, protected veterans and the disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.