Research Associate - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Cleveland, OHIO

Date: Jan 29, 2024

Title: Research Associate

Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

School: Case School of Engineering

Location: Case Western Reserve University (Building/Room: TBD)

Supervisor Name and Title: Ozan Akkus, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under limited supervision and in close collaboration with the principal investigator and senior staff the Research Associate will carry out mechanical testing and physicochemical characterization of biomaterials, natural tissues, and orthopaedic implants. These activities will take place as part of a federally funded, fast-paced and milestone stone driven project that will develop the next generation artificial knee-joint. The Research Associate will work with the principal investigator, a fabrication engineer, a design and prototyping engineer and a technician along with on campus and off-campus partners. This person will participate in maintaining a supportive lab culture. Regular responsibilities include ordering supplies, sample preparation, operating mechanical testing machinery, dissection and preparation of animal and human tissues, and assembling components in the lab, generating data and keeping records for progress reports and participating in weekly meetings. This position will work with biohazard tissue.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Perform mechanical testing of standardized specimens, tissues (engineered and natural), joints, and joints implanted with medical devices. Inspect failed test samples to identify failures modes. (35%) 
  • Develop and validate procedures for attachment of artificial joint in animal and human bones. Dissect bones, joints and implant them with prototype medical devices. (20%)
  • Perform physicochemical characterization (SEM, Raman, Infrared etc.) of material and engineered tissue compositions either directly, or by coordinating their characterization with service centers. (10%)
  • Perform analysis of mechanical test data to derive mechanical properties. Analyze biomechanical kinematic data to derive joint forces and laxity. Process data and apply basic statistical tests to identify differences, adjust and correlate data, and critical assessment of data to determine errors in results. Use data visualization tools to present data. (10%)
  • Survey literature to identify best practices, and develop protocols informed by past experience in the field. (6%)
  • Draft technical progress reports, and standard operating procedure documents. (10%)

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assist with day-to day lab operations and maintenance (2%)
  • Train new staff and direct work of technicians when needed (2%).
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (2%) 
  • Oversee biohazard management and disposal (3%)

    • CONTACTS 

    Department: Daily contact with supervisor, design/prototype engineer, fabrication engineer, or the technician to maintain workflow.

    University: Continuous contact with faculty, staff and research personnel at other departments for joint collaborative lab work and to share information.

    External: Weekly contact with vendors or external collaborators to exchange information and for experimental planning.

    Students: No contact with students

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    May supervise Research Assistants and Technicians in the group.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering background. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with hands on musculoskeletal biomechanical testing experience. Also see required skills, below.

    Education/Licensing: A PhD or equivalent (in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or related fields)

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, meet deadlines, manage and follow-through work from multiple individuals, manage and perform multiple tasks. 
  • Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, and flexibility to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data sets & communicate data in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment such as servohydraulic testing frames, dynamic mechanical analyzer, motion marker analysis.
  • Ability to effectively perform and train others in testing, evaluation and procedures and related data processing.
  • Demonstrated expertise in biomechanical engineering. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.

    • WORKING CONDITIONS

    University safety training is required. Working conditions includes the use of personal protective equipment, i.e., appropriate gloves, protective eyewear, laboratory coat, appropriate footwear. The individual should be able to perform the following activities, bend, stoop, kneel, push, pull, reach above shoulder, repetitive motion, type, use a computer (mouse and keyboard). Be able to work in a confined space. Be able to frequently transit between the lab and other University facilities carrying research supplies. Working in an indoor laboratory/office setting and with common laboratory apparatus and chemicals. Hands-on participation in applying designed devices to animal and human tissues will be required which is classified as blood-borne pathogens. Working outside standard working days or hours may be occasionally required when performing certain activities. Occasional travel to attend conferences or to work with outside collaborators. 

    Qualified candidates should send their CV and a letter of interest to Dr. Ozan Akkus at [email protected]


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