The University of Pittsburgh

Research Engineer II

Bioengineering - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25006352)

The Vascular Bioengineering Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh (Dr. David Vorp, PI) is currently seeking a research engineer in experimental vascular biomechanics.

The experimental aspects of this position include biomechanical testing of engineered and native vascular tissue, both animal and human samples, under various conditions or treatments with both commercial and custom electromechanical devices, data analysis including constitutive modeling, ex vivo perfusion of living vascular segments, microstructural analysis using microscopic imaging techniques and custom image analysis software, biomechanical testing system and experimental design, use of different transducers and signal conditioning techniques, programming and data acquisition using LabVIEW, etc. This position may also assist with the development of conceptual project design and instrumentation, software programs, and data collection methods; conduct laboratory procedures, develop software for analysis, and implement robotic equipment protocols; and coordinate work of students and interns.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment; procure tissue samples from animals or from humans (from the OR and/or autopsy suite); program and debug computer systems; maintain a variety of databases; and have the ability to assist with designing, fabricating (3D print) and testing prototypes. For this position, the candidate must be a team player, working with the PI and his students, post-docs, and other laboratory personnel; reliable; capable of providing attention to detail; and have a strong work ethic, being willing and able to work occasional weekends and evenings as needed. The candidate should have excellent English speaking and writing skills to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

General information on the lab and Dr. Vorp can be found at: http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/vorplab/.

Job Duties:

• Assist with designing, fabricating, and maintaining research instrumentation, including developing and constructing hardware instrumentation, evaluating commercial resources, methods and materials, implementing algorithms, creating software, and investigating new approaches and technologies.
• Aid with exploratory research to design and manufacture devices and testing systems. Use of CAD and 3D printing to support projects, and development and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems and laboratory equipment.
• Conduct laboratory procedures, testing, data analysis, develop software for analysis, and implement robotic equipment protocols.
• Perform tensile testing of engineered and native soft tissues, constitutive modeling, and ex vivo perfusion of vascular segments.
• Conduct simple biological experiments using techniques for tissue and cell culture.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and computer systems; use of different transducers and signal conditioners; procure tissue samples from live animals, the OR, and autopsy suite; and maintain a variety of databases.
• Assist with conducting research, including setting up, calibrating, and operating instrumentation; perform complex data collection and analysis, maintaining research records, and preparing protocols (e.g., IRB and IACUC) and reports.
• Provide assistance with written submissions such as grant proposals, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, protocols, etc., using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and other software (e.g., EndNote, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, etc.), with adherence to deadlines.
• Coordinates work of students/interns as directed.

Job Summary

Assists with designing, fabricating, and maintaining research instrumentation. Assists with the development of conceptual project design and instrumentation, software programs, and data collection methods. Assists with conducting research. Conducts laboratory procedures, develops software for analysis, and implements robotic equipment protocols. Coordinates work of students and interns.

Essential Functions

Candidate will be interacting with research staff, collaborators, and medical staff. Computer entry and effective utilization of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics software. Ability to carry up to 40 pounds. Ability to travel from Center for Bioengineering location to main University of Pittsburgh campus, UPMC locations, or other locations as needed periodically. Ability to be organized and pay attention to detail.

Physical Effort

Position requires some standing and walking to various areas within the University or UPMC. Position is NOT sedentary. Incumbent will stand for significant portions of the day in order to work at the lab bench.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Research Engineer II

Job Family Research

Job Sub-Family Research Engineering

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification BS degree with significant related experience in Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, or related engineering disciplines.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided No

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

Required Documents Resume

Optional Documents Not Applicable