Postdoc position open in Cardiac Biomechanics lab at University of California San Francisco Medical Center and San Francisco VA

The Cardiac Biomechanics Laboratory at University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF) Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and San Francisco VA medical Center is seeking a hard working motivated post-doctoral fellow to participate in biomechanical engineering research involving development of transcatheter aortic valves. Our lab has submitted a patent on a new transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) design and require design optimization by computational simulations in patient-specific scenarios. Experience in Biomechanics to optimize leaflet and stent material for the designed product would be ideal. The laboratory has a focus on finite element modeling of the aortic root for transcatheter aortic valves, Ross operation, and ascending aortic aneurysms. Proof of concept funding has been obtained to optimize the TAV patent leaflet and stent design and study its biomechanics and fluid-structure interactions. The goal is to determine material properties of candidate leaflet materials, optimize leaflet and stent design, perform computational simulations of patient-specific implantation and use FEM or FSI to assess leaflet and stent stresses. Biomechanical assessment of aortic aneurysm tissue obtained from the OR for root material properties will be required.

This position will involve computations simulations based on CAD design of TAV prototypes, microCT of actual TAVs, and patient CT images of the aortic stenosis. Experimental work will involve biaxial stretch testing for material properties, uniaxial failure testing and possibly prototype development and in vitro testing in a pulse duplicator or accelerated wear tester. Other duties include data analysis/publication, grant applications. 

Salary and benefits are within standard rnage as determined by institutional guidelines and applicant experience. Individuals must have PhD and preference will be given to those with established computational skills and knowledge of C++, Matlab, Rapidform, LS-dyna, abacus is preferred.  Interested individuals should send via email: cover letter with short and long term professional goals, copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copy in MS word acceptable), letters of reference with contact information (email/phone) and detailed resume.