Posting Expiry
Project: Mend the Gap
A research cluster at UBC has an opening for two engineering-oriented postdoctoral fellows for a two-year term, with possibilities of prolonging beyond that, within a highly interdisciplinary project. The positions will be offered in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC. Please see jobs details below:
JOB INFORMATION
Term: April 2024 – March 2026
Stipend: from $55,000/year (including benefits)
PROJECT SUMMARY
Funded by the Government of Canada New Frontiers in Research Funds (NFRF), Mend the Gap project (https://mendthegap.ubc.ca/) addresses the challenge of repairing the spinal cord after injury. To overcome the challenges ahead, an international and highly interdisciplinary team was set up, with researchers from several fields (neuroscience, surgery, materials science, engineering) organized under several research themes. The two open positions are related to building an ultrasound system for biomedical imaging, using newly developed polymer CMUT (Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) arrays. The system will be used for the real-time imaging of biomaterial injection into the spinal cord, to help for its repair.
## JOBS SUMMARY AND CONTEXT
The two postdoctoral fellows (PDF1 and PDF2) will closely interact and integrate within the UBC team, that includes already an existing PDF member specialized in complex electro-mechano-acoustic simulations. They should be both very motivated, open to learn and adapt to interdisciplinary interactions and challenges, and their complementary expertise will enable the development of a successful project, with wide future perspectives.
PDF1 is required to have a strong background in microfabrication , MEMS technology, microtransducers design, simulation and fabrication and testing. His role is to develop a custom polyCMUT array for spinal cord imaging. Experience with cleanroom microfabrication and polymer-based microdevices would give a strong starting point.
PDF2 needs a good expertise in sensor interfaces, circuit design, general analog and digital electronic systems and signal processing. His role is to integrate the ultrasound transducer array with custom electronics and to ensure the interface with a backend ultrasound imaging system. Their activity will be supported by other researchers and graduate students in the team. It is expected that the candidate will have practical experience with circuit design, simulation, and implementation, up to the PCB level design and assembly.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
The two PDFs will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Edmond Cretu and Prof. Robert Rohling, both in the Electrical and Computer Engineering. The successful candidates will also work closely with other team members. These positions are funded by NFRF Mend the Gap project.
EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE
Candidates must have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with expertise connected to the jobs summary. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in combining theoretical design, analysis and simulation with experimental work. Relevant experience with medical systems, previous industrial experience are supplementary assets. Successful applicants will have an outstanding academic record and a demonstrated aptitude for both independent and team-based research.
TASKS
More specific and detailed tasks will be discussed during the interviews. A high level perspective includes:
- Design, develop, and pilot an ultrasound imaging platform for the imaging related to the spinal cord treatment
- Collaborate with graduate students and other researchers and staff involved in the project
- Present findings on a regular basis to supervisors and team members, prepare regular progress reports
- Liaise with project partners
- Other duties as assigned
SKILLS
General skills (for both PDF1 and PDF2)
- Excellent organizational skills (project management skills)
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working alone and in team settings
Specific expected skills for PDF1:
· MEMS transducer design, finite element simulation of multiphysics operation, especially in the field of ultrasonic transducers
· Experience with microfabrication technology, from processing steps to assembly and device testing
· A desired knowledge about ultrasound bioimaging
Specific expected skills for PDF2:
· Fluency in electronic circuit design for instrumentation, high performance transducers interfaces, using Spice design, simulation and optimization tools
· Experience with practical circuit design and system building knowledge: PCB design, assembly, modular interfaces
· Familiarity with signal processing algorithms, especially array signal processing, and their implementation in either software or in FPGA
· A desired knowledge about ultrasound imaging principles and equipment
REMOTE WORK AND COVID-19 CONTINGENCIES
The candidates are expected to do both design and practical, experimental work, and interact with various team members on a regular basis. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic requires us to consider preventive measures as well. The successful candidates will be assigned an on-campus workspaces, but may be required at times to work remotely, in response to local public health guidelines.
APPLICATIONS
Please submit a resume and cover letter (motivating your interest), attn: Dr.Edmond Cretu (edmondc@ece.ubc.ca). We will have a certain wait period , but we may start interviewing candidates as soon as their profile looks potentially suitable to join the team. Only those short listed will be contacted. We will keep the positions open until the positions are awarded.
How to apply?
Please send applications to edmondc@ece.ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-57159.
Desired start date: 01 Apr 2024
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.