The Industrial and Multiphysics Laboratory at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver is looking for a postdoctoral research fellow (who has completed their PhD within the last five years at the time of appointment) to work on a newly industrial-funded 2-year postdoctoral research project. The successful PDF candidate will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Dana Grecov. Dr. Grecov’s current research program focuses on studying complex fluids and their applications using numerical simulations and experimental methods.
For more information about Industrial and Multiphysics Laboratory, please visit https://ibml.mech.ubc.ca/ and/or the LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-and-biological-multiphysics-laboratory/
As a funder of this fellowship position, the scientists from the industrial partner will collaborate with and work alongside the successful candidate.
This project seeks to develop and understand the manufacturing process for a hyaluronic acid-based product. Of particular interest are the insights of
- material chemical reactions,
- simulation mixing and rheology modeling,
- integrated, comprehensive results of dynamic chemical reaction with each step of material mixing properties through the analysis of chemical and physical characterization to enhance the robustness of the manufacturing process.
The successful applicants will be supervised by Director Dana Grecov and will work with the research team from the industrial partner. There are also opportunities to interact with various faculty in the Departments of Applied Science and Science at UBC. Therefore, a willingness to collaborate and mentor undergraduate and graduate students is advantageous.
Responsibilities
The candidate will investigate the chemistry and material properties to understand the processing of a Sodium hyaluronic acid-based product. Specifically, the candidate will study how the properties are related to the degradation and crosslinking of the material via multiple analytical methods and the rheology impact via rheological characterization. The candidate will perform CFD modeling to develop models to mimic gel mixing rheology with polymer reactions. The numerical results will be compared with lab experimental data for model validation. Modeling results will guide process developments, support manufacturing robustness, and develop process optimization. The candidate will be responsible for enhancing the robustness of the existing manufacturing process and proposing an optimized process as a simplified/alternate manufacturing option with improved gel material rheology.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline (chemistry, material engineering, material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering) is required.
- A strong background in programming and mathematical modeling is important.
- Background and experience in polymer chemistry and crosslinking-degradation is required.
- Experience in computational and experimental rheology is desirable.
- Experience working with hyaluronic acid (HA) or HA-based products is desirable.
- Experience working with cross-linking and/or its modeling is desirable.
- Background in applied/numerical mathematics is desirable.
- Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail are essential, as well as the ability to efficiently manage time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities.
- Ability for critical thinking and independent learning.
- Ability to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
Compensation
$70K–$75K a year plus benefits
Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for several reasons. Located at the University of British Columbia Point Grey campus, you will be in a highly innovative and interdisciplinary research environment and close collaboration with an industrial partner. Vancouver repeatedly ranks among the most livable places in the world and combines excellence in research with a high quality of life. Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development are provided.
Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter detailing their experience and contact details for 3 references. Applications should be sent to dgrecov@mech.ubc.ca with ‘PDF position’ in the email subject line. Applicants for the position will be evaluated in the order they are received.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The proposed start date for this position is August 15th, 2024, and is negotiable. The appointment will initially be for 4 months and is expected to be extended to 2 years. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
