POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHER - TEMPORARY

Summary

This postdoctoral fellowship centers on real-time obstetrics simulation featuring skinned musculoskeletal simulation and glove-based haptics interaction, under co-supervision by PI Prof. Michel Audette and CoPI Prof. Oleksandr Kravchenko of Old Dominion University. The goal will be to synthesize motion of a skinned musculoskeletal model of a neonate and couple this motion to interactive simulation of bone and soft-tissue kinematics via open-source tools such as OpenSim and Simulation Open Framework Architecture. An OpenSim Model is a codified description of a musculoskeletal system and its dynamics, based on a graph of interconnected components. Haptics will be integrated incrementally in OpenSim based on a 6-degree-of-freedom stylus first, based work already begun.

We are looking to hire a temporary postdoctoral fellow month anticipated to work 40 hours per week until December 2026. This fellow should have a background in biomechanics or mechanical engineering, preferably with an understanding of real-time software implementation and/or haptics.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop haptics software support for stylus and glove-based interaction
• Couple a finite elements-driven musculoskeletal (MS) birthing simulation with soft tissue model. The finite elements model exists and has been coupled to OpenSim MS simulation.

Education and/or training:

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering with Biomechanics specialization

Level and type ofexperience

Entry-level PhD. Strong programming skills.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

C++ and/or Python

Knowledge of haptics

To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-036. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled

This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.

As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.

Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated compensation for this position is $28.00 - $33.00 dollars an hour.