Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Research (Scholar or Associate) Position Open in the Berkland Lab (Department of Biomedical Engineering, Danforth Campus).

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for applicants interested in advancing research in ‘smart’ materials applied as force or strain sensors. The goals of this project are to understand relationships between material structure and sensor performance. Project work will involve mechanical testing of soft materials such as silicones, rheology of printable polymeric ‘inks’, design of smart material structures, and development of sensing applications. The individual will have the opportunity to design their own project and work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and materials scientists with additional exposure to clinical or biological sensor applications.

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.

Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Trains under the supervision of Prof. Berkland including (but not limited to):

• Manages their own project, which is expected to yield one or more publications including conference abstract proceedings.
• Develops expertise in materials science applied to sensors.
• Supports team working on the mechanical properties of soft polymeric materials.
• Employs or learns methods to support mechanical testing, rheology, and additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.
• 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.
• Conscientious discharge of his/her research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with his/her mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence 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

PhD in any engineering discipline or related physical science field, and prior experience with materials science.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, independent, and possess training in areas of materials science, processing techniques, additive manufacturing, and ‘smart’ materials for use as sensors.
• Candidates should also have a demonstrated record of achievement, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with a multidisciplinary research team.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Applicant Special Instructions

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

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email[email protected]or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

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 in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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.