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.
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.
85% - Research and Publications
10% - Grant and Management
5% - Other
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.
Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Salary range is $65,000 to $70,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.
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.
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.
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