Postdoctoral Scholar - Surgery

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a post-doctoral scholar position in the Division of Applied Biomedical Engineering. This role involves designing and optimizing components for mechanical circulatory support devices and collaborating on research projects.

The ideal candidate will possess a recent PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering, with strong expertise in turbomachinery design and computational fluid dynamics. The position offers competitive benefits and a chance to work on cutting-edge medical technology.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with experience in mechanical circulatory support systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in turbomachinery design, tribology, and CFD/FSI modeling.
• Proficiency with engineering software such as CAD and CFD solvers.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize rotary blood pump components.
• Conduct CFD and fluid-structure interaction simulations.
• Plan and execute in vitro experimental testing.

Skills

Turbomachinery design

Tribology

CFD/FSI modeling

Pump hydraulic testing

Proficiency with CAD

Strong critical thinking

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Recent PhD in related field

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS Fluent

ABAQUS

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State College of Medicine, Division of Applied Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Surgery, in Hershey, PA, is seeking a highly driven post‑doctoral scholar capable of joining an internationally recognized team developing next‑generation mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, including a pediatric ventricular assist device (Child Pump) and continuous‑flow blood pumps. The applicant must have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field. This position is on campus, in person.

The Division of Applied Biomedical Engineering consists of 5 faculty members with expertise in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, electrical engineering, and biomaterials. In addition, there are 9 full‑time staff members specializing in computational methods, in vitro and in vivo testing, mechanical design, machining, assembly, and polymer fabrication. The Division collaborates closely with surgeons, cardiologists, veterinarians, and commercial partners, and focuses on the research and development of devices to treat heart and pulmonary failure.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Designing and optimizing rotary blood pump components, including impellers/rotors, volutes, and hydrodynamic bearings
• Conducting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid‑structure interaction (FSI) simulations to evaluate pump hydraulic performance, blood damage (hemolysis, vWF, platelets), and bearing clearance
• Planning and executing in vitro experimental testing, including hydraulic performance characterization and blood‑based assays
• Supporting in vivo (large‑animal) studies in collaboration with the surgical and veterinary team
• Analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication, and presenting at scientific conferences
• Contributing to the preparation of grant applications and progress reports
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students

Specific criteria include:

• Recent PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with significant experience in mechanical circulatory support systems or rotary blood pump development
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: turbomachinery design, tribology, hydrodynamic bearings, CFD/FSI modeling, or pump hydraulic testing
• Proficiency with engineering software such as CAD (e.g. SolidWorks), CFD solvers (e.g., CONVERGE, ANSYS Fluent, ABAQUS), and FEM/FSI tools
• Strong critical thinking skills, rigorous training in the scientific method, and the ability to synthesize scientific literature to generate novel hypotheses
• Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills

Interested candidates should apply online and provide a detailed CV with 2-3 references.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.