Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Mechanical Engineering

Type: Full-Time

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Position Number: 00111986

Essential Job Duties:
This postdoctoral research position is intended to support a research project investigating the interaction between ultrasound waves platelet-like microgels designed for wound healing applications. Artificial platelets based on ultra-low cross-linked (ULC) microgels represent a promising therapeutic approach to enhance clot formation and accelerate tissue repair. However, the physical mechanisms governing how ultrasound interacts with these soft microgel structures remain poorly understood.

The purpose of this position is to conduct experimental and quantitative studies of the acoustic response of these microgels under ultrasound exposure. The postdoctoral researcher will design and operate ultrasound experimental setups to characterize how acoustic fields influence the behavior, deformation, aggregation, and functional performance of artificial platelets with different cross-linking densities. Understanding these mechanisms will enable the development of ultrasound-enabled strategies to control or enhance microgel-mediated hemostasis and wound healing. This position will contribute to advancing knowledge at the intersection of ultrasound physics, biomaterials, and biomedical engineering, with the long-term goal of improving therapeutic approaches for wound healing.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct experimental research investigating the interaction between ultrasound waves and ultra-low cross-linked microgel particles designed to mimic platelet function for wound healing applications.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Designing, assembling, and operating ultrasound experimental setups for acoustic characterization of microgel suspensions.
• Investigating the effects of microgel cross-linking density on acoustic scattering, deformation, and aggregation behavior under ultrasound exposure.
• Conducting quantitative measurements of ultrasound-microgel interactions using transducers, pulsing systems, and acoustic measurement instrumentation.
• Developing experimental protocols to evaluate the response of artificial platelet microgels to different acoustic parameters (frequency, pressure, pulse sequence).
• Processing and analyzing experimental data using signal processing and quantitative analysis techniques.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams working in biomaterials, biomedical engineering, and acoustics.
• Preparing research manuscripts, conference presentations, and reports documenting experimental findings.
• Contributing to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the research project.

Departmental Required Skills:
* Ability to analyze experimental data and interpret results within a physical modeling framework.
* Strong written and oral communication skills for preparing scientific publications and presentations.
* Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
* PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Acoustics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
* Strong background in ultrasound physics, acoustics, or wave propagation.
* Experience with ultrasound instrumentation, acoustic measurements, or experimental wave physics.
* Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments involving soft materials, biomaterials, or micro/nanoscale particles

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
N/A

Department: 140901 - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Location: Raleigh, NC