Post-Doctoral Research Scientist -- Bio-Integrated Endoprostheses -- University of Tennessee, Knoxville

[Dustin Crouch]

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist - Evaluating Structure-Function of Bio-integrated Endoprosthesis In Novel Animal Model

We are the Upper Limb Assist Lab (http://assistlab.utk.edu/) in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Our long-term goal is to develop implantable limb prostheses, or endoprostheses, that are physically attached to living muscles that naturally drive functional movement.

We are actively seeking a creative and energetic Post-doctoral Research Scientist who will help lead a new NIH-funded project that, using a novel animal model, will advance the state of the art in bio-integrated human prosthetic limbs.

The successful candidate will join our tight-knit, interdisciplinary team of engineers, veterinarians, and human clinicians to refine and answer important scientific questions about the endoprosthesis. Our in vivo rabbit model supports an endoprosthesis that connects via a synthetic tendon to a living muscle within the ankle-foot complex. Using the in vivo model, we will investigate how the timing of muscle-prosthesis attachment following limb amputation influences muscle structure and motor function. Major tasks and responsibilities will include animal care and surgery support; animal rehabilitation; biomechanical test of limb kinematics and kinetics in rabbits across a range of recovery levels; in vivo, in situ, and in vitro experiments to characterize tissue structure-function; and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

• A background in quantitative human or comparative musculoskeletal biomechanics.
• Experience in working with animals for research.
• Proficiency with data and statistical analysis software (e.g. Matlab, SAS).

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville supports a vibrant and diverse academic community. The College of Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Medical Center are located within 2 miles of each other. Knoxville is a beautiful and affordable place to live with lots of urban amenities and outdoor recreation options.

Funding is initially available for a period of 1 year with the possibility for renewal. The anticipated start date is around January 1, 2021, with some flexibility. If you’re interested, please submit (1) a current CV; (2) a letter of interest conveying your past achievements, qualifications, and motivation for the position; and (3) the names of three professional references. Please direct all application materials and questions to the principal investigator, Dr. Dustin Crouch (dustin.crouch@utk.edu).

Please submit your application here: https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/u...ica%2FNew_York

Dustin L. Crouch, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1512 Middle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
dustin.crouch@utk.edu

[Dustin Crouch]

This position has been filled. Thank you.