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 1-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 funders of this fellowship position, the scientists from the industrial partner will collaborate with and work alongside the successful candidate.
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 material properties to understand the processing of a Sodium hyaluronic acid-based product. Specifically, the candidate will perform CFD modeling to develop models that mimic gel mixing rheology. The numerical results will be compared with lab experimental data for model validation. The 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 (material engineering, material science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering) is required.
- A strong background in programming and mathematical modeling is important.
- Experience in computational rheology is desirable.
- Experience working with hyaluronic acid (HA) or HA-based products is desirable.
- Experience working with cross-linking 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.
Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity for several reasons. Located at the University of British Columbia Point Gray 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 October 15, 2024, and is negotiable. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range is expected to be $70,000 to $75,000 per annum plus benefits.
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.