Post-Doctoral Research Engineer
MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
Job Summary:
The incumbent, while working under limited supervision, will coordinate research work in biomedical and related technical areas. The focus of this program is to investigate the mechanism of action of spinal cord stimulation in pain relief. The objective of the research is to improve patient outcomes with chronic pain using spinal cord stimulation. This project involves both pre-clinical and clinical studies. The engineer will be responsible for coordinating the progress of multiple investigations, including pre-clinical experimentation and clinical experimentation. The incumbent will coordinate and develop, along with the principal investigators, the necessary electrophysiological experimentation. This position requires computer-based software system programming, electrophysiological recording, and intensive involvement in animal experiments and data analysis. This position will work with animals and humans.
Responsibilities:
- Working closely with the Principal Investigators, the incumbent will coordinate investigations in the field of spinal cord stimulation and recording, will design and develop complex non-routine pre-clinical experimentation, including new protocols and techniques. They will also assist in activities in the electrical nerve block group across multiple grants and personnel.
- Human and animal spinal cord stimulation and recording.
- Data Collection: Maintain written and electronic data records of experiments and new procedures. Analyze and oversee the analysis of experimental data.
- Data Presentation and Communication: Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and the writing of grant proposals.
- This position may supervise students and technicians in the lab.
Required Skills:
- Neuroelectrophysiology, stimulation and recording.
- Knowledge of and experience in experimental design, including conducting in-vivo experimentation. Techniques in small to large-sized animals is required.
- Must demonstrate compliance with CWRU animal research and care (ARC) policies and procedures and compliance to regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
- Must demonstrate compassion for animals within CWRU and MetroHealth facilities and dedication to the Animal Resource Center’s mission. Must handle animals with care and respect at all times.
- Familiarity with instrumentation typically used for physiologically based experimentation involved the electrical activation of nerve and muscle, as well as the recording and processing of bioelectric signals.
- Experience with Tucker-Davis Technologies (TDT) recording system, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Spike 2, and any statistical software is highly desirable.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and patients face to face.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Qualifications:
Education: PhD in Biomedical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines, with emphasis and interest in bio-instrumentation and electrophysiology.
Additional Responsibilities:
- The incumbent will work in a laboratory environment and be conducting animal experiments and surgery. The incumbent will be exposed to hazards including isoflurane anesthesia. Required personal protective equipment includes a standard laboratory coat and disposable gloves when appropriate.
- Case's animal facilities are accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) and is managed according to the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” appropriate Federal Animal Welfare Regulations, and the Public Health Service “Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." This position, and all animal research personnel, are subject to internal compliance to SOM Animal Resource Center Standard Operating Procedures and to compliance regulations of the Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines, the State of Ohio Veterinary Practice Act, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulatory guidelines, US Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine regulations and other applicable regulatory guidelines.
Contact Gustaf Van Acker, MD, PhD (gvanacker@metrohealth.org) for more information.