Opening at MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering on Biomedical Device Development

The Traverso Laboratory is seeking a PhD-level mechanical/biomedical engineer to join the team focused on the development of novel gastrointestinal devices for treatment of major diseases. This includes technologies such as drug delivery systems, smart pills and stents, soft actuators, and ingestible electronics. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems and materials for biological application. The major responsibilities will include the preparation of detailed design, design testing, and prototype fabrication. The candidate should have the ability to work as part of a team and solve complex problems spanning multiple fields including polymer chemistry, drug delivery, and physiology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·     Primary responsibilities include materials characterization, design/ prototyping using various types of polymers and biological materials, and chemical and analytical assays, utilizing both routine and specialized techniques.

·     Use analysis tools and methods to solve complex technical problems (e.g., 3D design and modeling, computational fluid dynamics, and finite element analysis)

·     Create technical drawing files in accordance with drafting standards and coordinate manufacturing of prototypes

·     Develop design verification test methods and test fixtures for evaluation of devices

·     Collaborate with machinists to ensure manufacturability and executing of fixture builds

·     Perform in vitro work including dissection for prototype tissue interaction evaluation and setting up experiments with gastrointestinal tissue ex vivo; design devices to be tested in large animals and analyzing pharmacokinetic studies

Qualifications

·     PhD in mechanical/materials, biomedical, chemical, manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, medical device development or related engineering field is required

·     Demonstrated design/modelling experience with SolidWorks, Abaqus, and MATLAB

·     Must have experience developing test methods, test fixture, and conducting design verifications studies

·     Mechanical design experience, including plastic-injection molded parts and metal components is preferred

Interested candidates should send their CV, contact information for up to two references, and a one-page cover letter to cgt20@mit.edu and sbabaee@mit.edu. This a two-year appointment with the possibility for annual renewal. There is flexibility on the start date, although May-August 2021 start is preferred.

Application deadline: 3/31/21