The Biomechanics Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher appointment in the area of locomotor and skeletal muscle biomechanics within the research groups of Dr. Jonas Rubenson and Dr. Stephen Piazza. Our groups investigate the biomechanics and energetics of legged locomotion using experimental and computational approaches. The postdoctoral researcher will participate in ongoing and new studies and will assume a leadership role on a 5-year NIH-funded project examining the effect of growth-period load/exercise stimulus on musculoskeletal form and function (in animal models).
The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities for experimental work ranging from locomotor biomechanics and energetics; musculoskeletal morphology and imaging; and in vivo and in situ muscle mechanics. Opportunities also exist for computational musculoskeletal modelling projects. The postdoctoral researcher will interact closely with our cross-disciplinary team spanning the Kinesiology Department, The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, and the Department of Anthropology at Penn State, along with the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at the University of California Riverside (collaborative research and training visits to Dr. Natalie Holt’s group at UCR are possible). Other expectations include: writing manuscripts, presenting research at lab meetings, journal club, department colloquium, seminars, and professional conferences. In addition, the postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to help graduate and undergraduate students develop their research interests and skills in a mentoring role.
Candidates should have a PhD degree in biology/physiology/zoology, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, kinesiology, orthopaedics, or a related field. We seek candidates experienced in animal research with a strong biomechanical background, or those with a background in human biomechanics or physical sciences/engineering interested in exploring in vivo biomechanics using animal models. Strong technical skills, including MATLAB programming and experience with motion analysis, in vivo instrumentation, cadaveric/orthopaedic analyses, and/or computational biomechanics, are highly desirable.
The appointment is initially for one year, with the potential for re-appointment in subsequent years (per Penn State policy). The postdoctoral position is open for immediate appointment, but we can be somewhat flexible on the start date.
If you are interested, please send an email including a cover letter outlining your background and relevant experience, your CV, selected publications and contact information for three references to Dr. Jonas Rubenson (jonas@psu.edu) and Dr. Stephen Piazza (piazza@psu.edu). Feel free to contact us in advance for any additional information regarding the position. An official PSU ad will be circulated shortly.
