The Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist. We seek a highly motivated, meticulous, highly organized individuals who enjoy working in a team while concomitantly desiring to pursue their own ideas in a very supportive environment. The individual will be train in laboratory functions and development of a research program that focuses on translational research and basic science applied to pediatric cardiac surgery. Candidate should be passionate about using their research and technical skills for to improve the outcomes of patients with congenital heart diseases. Our lab and collaborating partners combine expertise in tissue biomechanics, polymer science, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, small and large animal models, medical device development, prototyping, clinical trial and patent writing.The individual will spend time in two laboratories: Kalfa Lab on the medical campus (Department of Surgery) and Kysar lab on the Morningside campus (Department of Mechanical Engineering). This opportunity focuses on the development of an expandable heart valved device.

Requirements:PhD or MD/PhD

Minimum Qualifications:

• Native or high-level English speaking/writing

• Strong Article/Grant writing skills
• Proven record in design optimization (e.g. publications, conference presentations, thesis) as related to topology and/or sizing and/or shape optimization of structures.
• Proficiency in computer programming.
• Strong background in the finite element method and mechanics of materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS and/or MS in Polymer Science and/or Mechanical Engineering and/or Biomedical Engineering
• Previous experience in research projects related to heart valves, medical device development and/or biomaterial development
• Knowledge in heart valve biology.
• Knowledge in constitutive modeling of polymeric materials and/or soft materials are especially welcomed.
• Knowledge of commercial software in Computer Aided Design (e.g. SolidWorks or other) and Finite Element Methods (e.g. LS-Dyna or other) is especially welcomed. 
• In particular knowledge of python scripting would be considered a significant advantage.
• Knowledge of gradient-based or heuristic-based optimization.
• Knowledge of parallel computing using OpenMP and/or MPI would be considered an advantage.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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