Shashank Priya and Richard James are seeking an experimentalist for a postdoctoral position on the MURI project âœBio-inspired Material Architectures for the Deep Seaâ.  The scientific goal of the project is to understand the fundamental principles underlying the biological adaptation of deep-sea animals to high pressures, pressure changes, and pressure differentials across material interfaces.  The work will involve the design, printing and evaluation of the behavior of biocomposite materials and complex structures that mimic deep sea creatures, some of which can be synthesized using the 3D Bioprinting Facility at the University of Minnesota (https://bioprint.umn.edu).  Candidates should have a strong background in mechanics and materials science with expertise on synthesis techniques that may include bioprinting.  It is essential that candidates have a sufficiently broad background and interest to interact effectively with theorists, computational scientists, marine biologists and oceanographers. Knowledge of biomaterials will be advantageous to develop collaborations within the team.

Candidates should submit via the UM job system a cover letter, full CV with publications, and contact information for two references who are willing to supply letters.  Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Professor Richard James (james@umn.edu) for more information.   

Duties for this position will include:

• Conducting experimental research and construction of biocomposite materials and structures
• Investigating and implementing strategies for locomotion
• Building experimental apparatus to generate moderate pressures
• Building appropriate sensors
• Bioprinting (previous experience desirable but not necessary)
• Designing experiments
• Collaborating effectively with other participants in the MURI project
• Presenting results at monthly MURI meetings
• Assisting with the writing of research papers
• Interacting effectively with theorists, computational scientists, marine biologists, and oceanographers
   

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in one of the engineering sciences involving mechanics, materials science or biology
• A past record of discovery involving creative experimentation
• Excellent computer skills appropriate to experimental work
• Excellent organizational, presentation and writing skills
• Demonstrated self-motivation and creativity

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in mechanics and materials science
• Knowledge of biomaterials
• Expertise on synthesis techniques, including bioprinting 

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