JOB DESCRIPTION
Project description: The major thrust of our lab is to study spontaneous rhythmic contraction, acute length adaptation and adjustable preload tension in the bladder; the molecular mechanisms responsible for these behaviors; and how these behaviors are associated with bladder dysfunction. Our studies range from mechanical and pharmacological studies on detrusor smooth muscle strips and isolated whole bladders to clinical urodynamics studies. Our studies also involve multi-scale biomechanical modeling, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) signal analysis, ultrasound imaging, and atomic force microscopy. The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in all aspects of our studies; however, the focus of the postdoctoral project will depend on the candidate’s background and interests.
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Primary Mentor:
John E. Speich, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Chair
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
jespeich@vcu.edu
Co-mentor:
Adam P. Klausner, M.D.
Associate Professor & Warren Koontz Professor of Urologic Research
Director of Neuro-Urology & Voiding Dysfunction
Department of Surgery/Division of Urology
VCU School of Medicine
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Preferred qualifications: Ph.D. in engineering, biophysics, physiology or other relevant field; strong writing skills; ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
ABOUT THE EMPLOYER
About VCU School of Engineering
Since its inception in 1996, the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. The School currently teaches 1,652 undergraduate and 265 graduate students. Driven to be the national model for innovation in engineering and research, the school offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical, nuclear, biomedical, electrical, computer and chemical and life science engineering, computer science and the country’s only hybrid mechanical and nuclear engineering doctoral program. Cross-Disciplinary focus areas include: Sustainability and Energy Engineering, Micro and Nano Electronic Systems, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Security and Mining of Big Data, and Device Design and Development.
Interdisciplinary research opportunities are offered through the school’s Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility, the Institute for Engineering and Medicine, the C. Kenneth and Dianne Harris Wright Virginia Microelectronics Center, the Translational Research Innovation Projects Facility, the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Initiative, and the da Vinci Center. To learn more, go to www.egr.vcu.edu.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.