Posting Expiry
Sonus Microsystems (www.sonusmicrosystems.com) and the AdaMist (Adaptive Microsystems) research group at UBC are searching for two engineering-oriented postdoctoral fellows for a two-year term, as part of Mitacs Accelerate grants. Please see the job details below.
# Jobs information
Term: May 2026 - April 2028
Stipend: starting from $58,000/year (including benefits)
# Project summary
Sonus Microsystems and UBC work towards the development of innovative biomedical imaging systems using polymer based ultrasonic transducer arrays. polyCMUT (Polymer Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer) arrays. The specific features of such transducers enable conformal ultrasound imaging using flexible array patches. We target the development of ultrasound systems for imaging and healthcare monitoring, building on the accumulated expertise in both the research team at UBC (AdaMist group) and in Sonus Microsystems, proven by existing past publications. The main target is to develop novel wearable ultrasonic arrays for non-invasive health monitoring. The main envisaged advantages are surface conformability, low fabrication cost and rapid customization, in a good balance with the transducer array performance. The approach will allow the continuous, prolonged time monitoring of the health status of patients using non-invasive ultrasound measurements/imaging techniques, for both early warning and accurate diagnostic.
# Jobs summary and context
The two postdoctoral fellows (PDF1 and PDF2) will closely interact and integrate within the existing teams, to benefit from the existing experience in microfabrication, complex electro-mechano-acoustic simulations, circuit design and system integration and testing. They should be both very motivated, open to learn and adapt to interdisciplinary interactions and challenges, leading to 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 enhance the existing polyCMUT microfabrication process and to further develop it towards wearable, large flexible ultrasonic arrays. Experience with cleanroom microfabrication and silicon or 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. It is expected that the candidate will have practical experience with circuit design, simulation, and implementation, up to the PCB level design and assembly.
# Education and 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
Specific and detailed tasks will be discussed during the interviews. A high level perspective includes:
- Design, develop, and pilot ultrasound imedical imaging subsystems (polyCMUT arrays, circuit interfaces, integration with ultrasound imaging backend systems, etc.)
- 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
· A desired knowledge about ultrasound imaging principles and equipment
# 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) and Dr. Carlos Gerardo (carlos@sonusmicrosystems.com). To be easy to distinguish, use [PDF Sonus] at the beginning of the Subject field. 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-59143.
Desired start date: 01 May 2026
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.