Special Information

• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• Most work will involve analysis and computing in an office setting, located on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus. Flexible working arrangements may be considered that could combine remote work with in-person work. Occasional travel to conferences to present research results, and possibly short periods of time at the University of California at Riverside to conduct experiments on pelvic floor muscle samples.

About the Department/College

Mechanical Engineering (ME) is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A mechanical engineering degree provides an excellent background for a broad range of engineering careers and for careers that require a strong technical background. The Mechanical Engineering Department at NAU offers programs leading to bachelor of science, master of science, master of engineering, and doctor of philosophy degrees in mechanical engineering.

Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners work synergistically to improve the state of Arizona and society at large, through mechanical engineering research, education, and service.

About the Position

Dr. Heidi Feigenbaum, Professor at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Steve Sanghi College of Engineering (SCE), Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct finite element modeling of childbirth after an episiotomy as part of a research project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The broad goals of the project are to characterize and model the mechanical behavior of pelvic floor muscles, using finite element analysis to simulate childbirth after an episiotomy and evaluate crack-tip stresses, determine the fracture toughness of pelvic floor muscles, and apply a fracture criterion in the finite element simulations to determine if, when, and why tearing occurs after an episiotomy. The experimental aspects of this work are all in collaboration with the University of California at Riverside (UCR) and the research team of Dr. Mona Eskandari.

The successful candidate will primarily work on the theoretical and computational aspects of the work, however may be included in all aspects of the project. The postdoc will do the bulk of the material model development and validation, and finite element modeling, including, but not limited to, defining the pelvic floor and fetal head geometry, defining loads and boundary conditions appropriate for childbirth, meshing, ensuring convergence everywhere except at the crack tip, calculating the rate at which crack tip stresses go to infinity, applying a fracture criterion to the episiotomy, and analyzing how the results may impact labor and delivery decisions.

Applicants must be able to work collaboratively and independently, meet project deadlines, and be able to clearly communicate results. The postdoc will be based in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ, a mountain town not far from Grand Canyon National Park. The position will be part of NAU's Department of Mechanical Engineering. Travel may be required to help with experiments, for professional development, and/or to present findings at conferences. The start date is negotiable, and the duration of the position depends on availability of funding.

Responsibilities Include

85% - Research and Publications

• Material modeling of pelvic floor tissue.
• Finite element modeling of childbirth after an episiotomy.
• Using fracture mechanics to analyze if, when, and why an episiotomy may lead to additional tearing.
• Keep appropriate records of all research activities.
• Meet regularly with PI to provide updates on research progress.
• Prepare and deliver presentations of research findings to appropriate audiences.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts for publications.
• Stay up to date on the literature, to perform research tasks using state of the art and appropriate methods/tools.

10% - Grant and Management

• Assist in writing annual reports and/or presentations as required by NSF.
• Help supervise MS and/or undergraduate researchers.
• Adhere to data and project management plans.
• Coordinate with project PI (Dr. Heidi Feigenbaum) on budgeting and purchasing.
• Assist with writing new grants, as appropriate, that build on the findings from this project.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned by the PI that will help meet project goals.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in mechanical or biomedical or biological engineering or closely related field.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in and experience with finite element modeling of the deformation of biological materials.
• Experience studying fracture mechanics and using finite elements to simulate fracture.
• Experience with mechanical testing of biological materials.
• Experience using and developing finite deformation material models for the mechanical behavior of soft tissue.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of continuum mechanics and material modeling under large deformations.
• Knowledge of the finite element method.
• Knowledge of fracture mechanics theories.
• Experience using finite elements to model fracture.

Skills

• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Organizational and management skills.
• Organized, responsive, and reliable.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to write and publish scientific papers.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to use finite element software to solve complex mechanical/biological problem.
• Ability to critically analyze results from finite element simulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Compensation

Salary range is $65,000 to $70,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.