As part of an internationally recognized academic medical center, Wake Forest School of Medicine works to improve the integration of research programs with areas of major importance in population health and to maximize multidisciplinary and translational approaches. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is a vital part of that, and our team is growing.
Available Positions
An NIH T32‐supported postdoctoral research fellowship position is available through the Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest School of Medicine for candidates seeking clinical research training, with a specific focus on weight loss and musculoskeletal health in older adults.
Applicants must:
- Have prior exposure to research
- Have received a PhD, MD or a comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be interested in pursuing an academic research career
Salary is commensurate with experience according to NIH stipend levels. Postdoctoral fellows in the Center are provided with supervised didactic and experiential research training under the direction of one‐on‐one and team mentoring from accomplished, cohesive and multidisciplinary faculty. Postdoctoral fellows gain knowledge, skills and competencies in:
- Assessing specific clinical health outcomes
- The design and conduct of observational and/or interventional studies
- Technological research methodology
They also are taught and encouraged to submit research proposals for independent grant funding.
For this specific position, the fellow will work contribute to two recently funded NIA projects examining the effect of weight loss on musculoskeletal structure and function in older adults, as well as potential counteractant effects of skeletal loading and resistance exercise. Tasks include:
- Assisting with intervention delivery/data collection, as needed
- Reviewing literature on weight loss associated muscle and bone loss and techniques for measuring muscle and bone health using computed tomography (CT)
- Application of techniques to assess intervention related changes in CT‐derived muscle and bone outcome (such as mid‐thigh muscle and intermuscular fat volumes, volumetric bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, and bone strength quantified via finite element modeling)
- Leading study design and select outcome paper writing group efforts.
Interested candidates should send cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Kristen Beavers at beaverkm@wfu.edu.
This full-time regular (40 hours/week) position is responsible for oversight of several project(s) related to finite element (FE) analysis for military injury prediction and prevention studies. The position is currently available in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Minimum acceptable qualifications
- Doctoral degree in an engineering discipline (Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science)
- Excellent written and oral skills
- U.S. citizenship required
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
- Relevant experience in Computational methods and simulation, including structural finite element analysis (dynamic and non-linear a plus). Proficiency with CAD modeling software (SolidWorks, Geomagic Studio, Rhino), commercial volume meshing software (Hypermesh, Truegrid, IA-FEMesh), and familiarity with high performance computing, and Linux OS are pluses
- Statistical and analytical methods and biomechanical data processing
- Highly proficient with Matlab or Python for data processing and analysis
- Experienced statistical analysis techniques using SAS or other statistical software packages
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills gained through independent research
- Strong engineering fundamentals
Characteristic work
- Oversee daily research and monitor scientific progress
- Manage multiple biomechanics research projects through the development,planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting.
- Work closely with PI and research engineers and support team (subordinate research engineers, graduate students, interns and summer students) to facilitate research progress
- Supervise work performed by students within the CIB on engineering and simulation related tasks
- Perform quality control monitoring, implementation of study protocols, adherence to federal regulations (DoD, NIH) and state guidelines
- Make knowledge-based decisions, in consultation with the PI, for changes that affect the design of the studies and completion of those studies
- Highly technical position involving all aspects of biomechanics research related to the core mission of the Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics (CIB)
- Work with an interdisciplinary project team and participate in collaborative working groups at Wake Forest, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and other universities to develop project wide strategies to integrate individual tasks for the Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin (WIAMan) Project whose purpose is to develop an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) for the under-body blast environment.
- Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin Project (WIAMan) working groups:
- Finite Element Modeling Working Group: develop computer simulation of the WIAMan head neck complex to provide critical information on the design and robustnessSignal Conversion.
- Tiger Team: research and develop standardized anatomic references for performers to use for their sensor placement in cadaveric specimens. In addition, create a standardized coordinate system so signals can be transformed properly to the WIAMan specifications.
- Biofidelity Response Corridor Working Group: combine data from performers and develop target corridors for the WIAMan dummy in order to demonstrate high biofidelic responses
- Scaling Working Group: develop criteria for scaling and acceptance for cadaver specimens
- Assist with development and validation of a finite element (FE) model of the ATD and perform quality assessment of CAD models and meshes, develop and integrate regional components of the FE model, and perform simulations for validation and robustness verification.
- Perform FE simulations with the ATD to compute pre-shot predictions of planned experimental tests and support groups from different test sites in design of the experiments.
- Troubleshoot and revise MATLAB code used by the projects
- Research and develop new statistical and analytical methods (2020 WIAMan project): example project was to create criteria for whole body cadaveric data to interpret if different experimental setups provide similar results
- Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC)
- organize key software files to provide users a more efficient database
- Performs quantitative analysis on medical image data, including CT and MRI
- Assists with conducting laboratory experiments and data collection including external anthropometry and rapid prototyping studies
- Use finite element analysis (FEA) tools and related software to support extramurally funded research, and to generate pilot data for new research
Join our computational biomechanics group at the Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics (CIB)! The CIB is within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the growing downtown Innovation Quarter. This position focuses on injury biomechanics, a field dedicated to the prediction, mitigation and prevention of injury.
We are seeking a motivated post‐doctoral level scholar to oversee and help lead several projects related to computational injury biomechanics. Studies of interest will be in support of US. DoD, DoT, NIH and other funded sources.
Minimum qualifications
- Doctoral degree in an Engineering discipline (Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science)
- Excellent written and oral skills
- This position does not support visa sponsorship for non‐US citizens
This position involves all aspects of biomechanics research related to the core mission of the Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics (CIB). The successful candidate will oversee research teams and monitor scientific progress on various biomechanics research projects through development, planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting. He or she will work closely with PIs and their teams (research engineers, graduate students, interns and summer students).
We encourage collaboration within the Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics to aid in new grant submissions and to generate pilot data for new research avenues.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated strong analytical and critical thinking skills gained through independent research. Relevant experience in computational methods and simulation is essential.
To apply, send your resume to BME-Grad@wakehealth.edu.
Join our computational biomechanics group at the Wake Forest Center for Injury Biomechanics (CIB)! The CIB is within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the growing downtown Innovation Quarter. This position focuses on injury biomechanics, a field dedicated to the prediction, mitigation and prevention of injury.
Primary Responsibilities
- Work with an interdisciplinary team using a computational approach to study biomechanics. Collaborate with external academic centers and research sponsors to study human injury risk in accelerative loading environments
- Assist with development, validation and use of a finite element (FE) models of Anthropometric Test Devices (ATDs) and physics‐based models of the human body. Provide sponsors with insights and guidance on injury risk from severe loading conditions
- Perform quality assessment of CAD models and finite element meshes, develop and integrate components of the FE models originated at collaborating sites, and perform simulations for validation and robustness verification
- Perform FE simulations of experimental test environments including pre‐test predictions of planned experimental tests
- Support related CIB activities and assist in the development of new research within our Center
Desired Skills and Qualifications
MS in an engineering discipline with relevant experience, or BS with 2+ years’ experience in:
- Computational methods and simulation
- Statistical and analytical methods for data processing
- Strong engineering fundamentals, oral and written communication skills
To apply, send your resume to BME-Grad@wakehealth.edu.