This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7134575

rPostdoctoral Scholar

rNorthern Arizona University

rSpecial Information

This position is subject to the availability of funding. The

incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

Most work will involve analysis and computing in an office setting,

located on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus. Flexible working arrangements may be considered that could combine remote work with in-person work. Occasional travel to conferences to present research results, and possibly short periods of time at the University of California at Riverside to conduct experiments on pelvic floor muscle samples.

About the Department/College

Mechanical Engineering (ME) is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A mechanical engineering degree provides an excellent background for a broad range of engineering careers and for careers that require a strong technical background. The Mechanical Engineering Department at NAU offers programs leading to bachelor of science, master of science, master of engineering, and doctor of philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering.

Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners work synergistically to improve the state of Arizona and society at large, through mechanical engineering research, education, and service.

About the Position

Dr. Heidi Feigenbaum, Professor at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Steve Sanghi College of Engineering (SCE), Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct finite element modeling of childbirth after an episiotomy as part of a research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The broad goals of the project are to characterize and model the mechanical behavior of pelvic floor muscles, using finite element analysis to simulate childbirth after an episiotomy and evaluate crack-tip stresses, determine the fracture toughness of pelvic floor muscles, and apply a fracture criterion in the finite element simulations to determine if, when, and why tearing occurs after an episiotomy. The experimental aspects of this work are all in collaboration with the University of California at Riverside (UCR) and the research team of Dr. Mona Eskandari.

The successful candidate will primarily work on the theoretical and computational aspects of the work, however may be included in all aspects of the project. The postdoc will do the bulk of the material model development and validation, and finite element modeling, including, but not limited to, defining the pelvic floor and fetal head geometry, defining loads and boundary conditions appropriate for childbirth, meshing, ensuring convergence everywhere except at the crack tip, calculating the rate at which crack tip stresses go to infinity, applying a fracture criterion to the episiotomy, and analyzing how the results may impact labor and delivery decisions.

Applicants must be able to work collaboratively and independently, meet project deadlines, and be able to clearly communicate results. The postdoc will be based in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ, a mountain town not far from Grand Canyon National Park. The position will be part of NAU\'s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Travel may be required to help with experiments, for professional development, and/or to present findings at conferences. The start date is negotiable, and the duration of the position depends on availability of funding.

Responsibilities Include

85% - Research and Publications

Material modeling of pelvic floor tissue.

Finite element modeling of childbirth after an episiotomy.

Using fracture mechanics to analyze if, when, and why an episiotomy

may lead to additional tearing.

Keep appropriate records of all research activities.

Meet regularly with PI to provide updates on research progress.

Prepare and deliver presentations of research findings to

appropriate audiences.

Prepare and submit manuscripts for publications.

Stay up to date on the literature, to perform research tasks using

state of the art and appropriate methods/tools.

10% - Grant and Management

Assist in writing annual reports and/or presentations as required by

NSF.

Help supervise MS and/or undergraduate researchers.

Adhere to data and project management plans.

Coordinate with project PI (Dr. Heidi Feigenbaum) on budgeting and

purchasing.

Assist with writing new grants, as appropriate, that build on the

findings from this project.

5% - Other

Other duties as assigned by the PI that will help meet project

goals.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in mechanical or biomedical or biological engineering or closely related field.

used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.*

Preferred Qualifications

Strong background in and experience wit

Northern Arizona University

Latest Jobs

Postdoctoral Scholar