Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The Behkam Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates for a postdoctoral associate position. This position will provide an opportunity to work in a highly collaborative interdisciplinary environment as part of a team of experimentalists, computational modelers, and clinicians.

The project’s focus will be on the mechanobiology of microbial interaction with nanostructured surfaces and its applications in engineering the surface of medical devices towards mitigating medical device-associated infection. Combining experimental work with computational modeling, this position will offer a unique opportunity to acquire a well-rounded interdisciplinary skillset. This research project will address a well-defined problem of a significant and pressing clinical need in collaboration with clinicians. The selected candidate will also be encouraged to pursue complementary new research directions, apply for independent grants and fellowships, and will be mentored to develop scientific leadership and management skills.

Compensation for this position will be at or above NIH guidelines and will include competitive benefits and retirement package offered by Virginia Tech. The position is available starting as soon as possible and is eligible for annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory progress and continued funding.

Required Qualifications

Candidate must hold a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, or a related discipline by the start of the postdoc appointment. The ideal candidate will have experience in working with Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) microorganisms, proficiency in standard cell- and molecular-biological techniques, and expertise in nanofabrication. However, training to acquire new skills in nanofabrication and characterization will be offered. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in two or more of the following areas: (1) bacteria culture techniques, (2) molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA-seq, RT-PCR, Western blotting), (3) optical and electron microscopy, (4) microbial mechanobiology, (5) nanofabrication and characterization, (6) finite element modeling and multi-parameter optimization. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm to conduct independent and collaborative interdisciplinary research, the ability and willingness to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in two or more of the following areas: (1) bacteria culture techniques, (2) molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA-seq, RT-PCR, Western blotting), (3) optical and electron microscopy, (4) microbial mechanobiology, (5) nanofabrication and characterization, (6) finite element modeling and multi-parameter optimization.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

November 16, 2020

Additional Information

Interested candidates should assemble a single pdf document containing a (1) cover letter outlining how this position relates to the candidate’s past experience, future goals, and research interests, (2) curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications, (3) name and contact information of three academic references, (4) two key first-author manuscripts that have been published or accepted for publication.

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at mandamcg@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: November 2, 2020
Applications close: