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Postdoctoral Scholar In Microfabrication, MEMS, Microfluidics, and Systems Engineering in the California NanoSystems Institute at The University of California, Santa Barbara

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Position description

The laboratory of Professor Sumita Pennathur in the department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking a postdoctoral candidate with expertise in microfabrication, MEMS, microfluidics, and systems engineering to innovate and develop a next generation insulin pump for patients with diabetes. The two year goal of the position is to create a novel MEMS pump and system capable of controlled delivery of low nanoliter volumes and robust enough for commercialization. The selected candidate will be hands-on leading the effort, collaborating with experts in both academia and industry.

Diabetes is a devastating chronic condition that is unfortunately being diagnosed at an unprecedented rate, with statistics indicating that 1 in 3 Americans currently have prediabetes. Although only ~1 million of the 100 million patients currently diagnosed in the US require insulin, not only is this number growing, but also current products on the market still leave much to be desired. The Pennathur Laboratory recently received funding from the Helmsley foundation to innovate a concept that will surpass everything on the market to date in terms of size, cost, and ease of use, using the latest MEMS and microfluidics technologies.

Therefore, for this position we are seeking a candidate who is not only passionate about the mission of bringing a translatable innovative product to market, but also who is willing to collaborate with mechanical engineering, bioengineering, electrical engineering and systems engineering faculty and researchers to build the next generation insulin pumping system. At the end of two years the target is to achieve working prototypes of a system with relevant trumpet curves showing pumping performance measured against required specifications for typical insulin-dependent patients with diabetes.

Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time training programs of advanced academic preparation and research training under the mentorship of a faculty member.

Basic Qualifications: Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or be enrolled in a Ph.D. program in engineering, physics or a related discipline focusing on the field of MEMS and/or microfluidic fabrication and integration for medical devices at the time of application.

Additional Qualifications: At least 6 months of experience with silicon microfabrication (specifically mask layout, lithography, etching, annealing, thin film deposition, die singulation, die attach and wire bonding. MEMS/microfluidics (e.g. microchannel fabrication and wafer bonding), and microfluidic medical device development (including design, analysis, fabrication and characterization).
Ph.D. required by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; solid organizational and planning skills; self-motivation; detail-orientation; and proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Must be able to perform statistical analysis; follow complex instructions; multitask; carefully document work in written records; work both independently and as part of a team; plan and troubleshoot experiments independently; and work in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.

The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with a possible two (2) year reappointment if mutually agreeable.

Please apply to UCRecruit at https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01747 by February 21, 2020 for primary consideration. Position will remain open until filled.

Anticipated start date is March 9, 2020.

Curriculum vitae, cover letter, statement of research and three references (contact info only) are required for a complete application.

The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA