Temporary Research Assistant in Physiological Fluid Mechanics

Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 42,981,000 - 71,635,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to advanced facilities

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks two Temporary Research Assistants in Physiological Fluid Mechanics to join AIMCardio Lab. The role focuses on fluid-structure interaction, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, and AI-driven modeling for cardiovascular diseases and devices.

Appointments are for one year with possible renewal; two-year commitment expected. Collaborative, translational environment with top hospitals and device companies.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in mechanical/biomedical/related field required.
• Experience in fluid mechanics and interdisciplinary research preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct computational and experimental studies on cardiovascular models.
• Collaborate with hospitals and medical centers on translational projects.
• Develop AI-driven modeling for cardiovascular applications.

Skills

Fluid-structure interaction

Computational fluid dynamics

Experimental fluid mechanics

Scientific machine learning

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

Biomedical or related field

Tools

PIV

CFD

FEA

Job description

Job Title

Temporary Research Assistant in Physiological Fluid Mechanics

Location

Worcester

Department Name

Biomedical Engineering - JM

Division Name

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

Job Description Summary

The Artificial Intelligence and Modeling Laboratory for Cardiovascular Diseases (AIMCardio Lab) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking applications for two temporary research assistant positions. We are looking for highly motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic researchers with expertise in fluid-structure interaction, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, and/or scientific machine learning, with applications to cardiovascular diseases and medical devices. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Successful candidates are expected to commit to a minimum two-year appointment.

Job Description

The lab conducts cutting-edge research in computational and experimental fluid-structure interaction, cardiovascular biomechanics, digital health, and AI-driven modeling. The laboratory maintains long-standing collaborations with leading hospitals and medical centers across the United States, including the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia), and Columbia University Irving Medical Center (New York). We also collaborate closely with major medical device companies, including Abbott, Edwards Lifesciences, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic, to develop next-generation cardiovascular technologies and translational solutions. More information about our research can be found at:AIMCardioLab.wpi.edu

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experimental fluid mechanics and advanced flow visualization techniques, such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), flow imaging, or other related experimental methods.
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and/or multiphysics simulation, with strong programming, numerical modeling, and computational skills.
• Finite element analysis (FEA), preferably involving nonlinear materials, soft matter, biomechanics, or tissue mechanics.
• Experience conducting research in physiological fluid mechanics and cardiovascular flow systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects at the intersection of cardiovascular biomechanics, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine.
• Access to state-of-the‑art computational and experimental research facilities.
• Extensive collaborations with leading clinicians, researchers, and medical device companies.
• A highly interdisciplinary and supportive research environment with strong opportunities for career development in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Hourly pay: $20 - $25 per hour based on experience. This is a temporary 30 - 40 hour per week position.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.