Postdoctoral Research Associate - Mechanical Engineering

Posting Details

Job Code/Title PD - Post Doctoral Position Number P00001 Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate - Mechanical Engineering Department Medicines for All Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Recruitment Pool All Applicants Anticipated Hiring Range $53,500 Campus Monroe Park Campus Position Type Post Doc Hours/Week Normal work days Normal work hours Job Category Does this position provide patient or clinical services to the VCU Health System? No Does this position require a pre-placement medical assessment? No Is any portion of this position grant-funded? Yes - Continuation of this position depends on funding of the grant. Sensitive Position No Resource Critical No Description of the Job

Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU ), department of Chemical and Life Sciences Engineering has an open postdoctoral position. The Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for the design and construction of novel chemical flow reactors and separators for developing and integrating novel chemical processes and equipment for production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products. Specifically, duties include:
- Design, prototype, develop, and scale chemical processing equipment meeting the needs of the chemistry team.
- Design and build integrated process control systems which include, reactors, analyzers, and controllers.
- Develop the electrical, mechanical, and computational systems required to create robust and effective devices.
- Create technical documentation to assist in the commercialization of the product and associated IP.
- Draft detailed CAD drawings of mechanical and electrical designs.
- Conduct structural, thermal, and fluidic simulations on designs prior to prototyping.
- Assemble and troubleshoot electrical components.
- Assist and train junior personnel with complex tasks and procedures.
- Compile results of development progress and regularly report to supervisor.
- Draft understandable diagrams and models of hardware and software.
- Write and debug code for the implementation of Internet-of-Things and Digital Twin devices and subsystems.
- Utilize design-for-manufacture ( DFM ) principles to create viable designs that can easily be scaled beyond lab manufacturing.
- Act as the technical liaison in discussions with current and potential collaborators, customers, end-users, and personnel.

Required Qualifications

- PhD degree in mechanical, or electrical engineering.
- Previous research experience in design and construction of chemical processing equipment.
- Ability to coordinate mechanical, electrical, and software components into a fluid design. – Must be detail-oriented and have good observation skills.
- Required to have a willingness to learn and use specialized techniques.
-Must communicate effectively.
- Must be proficient with CAD software and numeral systems required for programming. – Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management and communication skills. -
- Ability to establish priorities and to handle multiple tasks.
- Excellent proficiency in written English and the ability to present and articulate complex concepts orally are required.

Preferred Qualifications

-Previous experience with continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing
-Previous experience with IoT devices and microcontrollers
-Previous experience with MATLAB, Python programming, and advanced Microsoft Excel
- Previous experience working in a laboratory in an academic environment.
- Previous experience in software development, especially database programming and user interface development
- Knowledge of manufacturing considerations for industrial equipment and processes

Job Open Date 03/02/2021 Remove from posting on or before Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

You will be joining the Pharmaceutical Engineering laboratory of Dr. Tom Roper who joined VCU as co-Director of Pharmaceutical Engineering after a 22 year career at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Roper held senior positions in the Pharmaceutical Development Division of GSK, including responsibilities for Process R&D and Analytical development for API in the US, and most recently was the Global Head of Exploratory Development Sciences.

Complete application and upload a C.V., research summary, the names and contact information for 3 references, and publication list.

Additional Information

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/103976 Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you find out about this position?
   • ○ Alumni association magazine
   • ○ Chronicle of Higher Education
   • ○ Community event
   • ○ Email notification
   • ○ HERC (Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
   • ○ Higher education publication
   • ○ Internal Recruiter
   • ○ Job fair
   • ○ Job site (e.g. Monster.com)
   • ○ Listserv
   • ○ Newspaper
   • ○ Professional association/journal
   • ○ Referred by person/employee
   • ○ Search firm notification
   • ○ VCU vacancy listing - eJobs
   • ○ Other

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Other Document

Optional Documents