Research Scientist

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

4d • $75,000 - $75,000

About The Position

This position supports a fast-paced, externally funded research project focused on experimental characterization and computational modeling of human vaginal tissue. The Research Scientist generates and analyzes experimental data to support ongoing computational studies and project milestones.

The role requires specialized expertise in soft tissue biomechanics, including tissue procurement and dissection, mechanical testing, experimental data analysis and interpretation, and constitutive modeling. Because the experimental work is closely connected to ongoing computational activities, the successful candidate must be able to begin with minimal additional training. The candidate will work independently and collaborate with experimental and computational researchers across a multidisciplinary team.

The position is restricted and exempt from overtime eligibility. It is a 40-hour-per-week appointment. A criminal conviction check is required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of post-bachelor’s experience, in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, biomechanics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in experimental soft tissue biomechanics.
• Hands-on experience conducting mechanical testing of biological soft tissues.
• Experience with experimental data acquisition, processing, analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience analyzing tissue mechanical behavior and fitting constitutive models to experimental data.
• Ability to begin the work with minimal additional training.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with experimental and computational researchers.

Nice To Haves

• Extensive hands-on experience with mechanical testing of soft tissues.
• Direct research experience with vaginal tissue, including procurement, dissection, specimen preparation, mechanical testing, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with constitutive modeling of vaginal or other soft biological tissues.
• Familiarity with computational mechanics and reduced-order modeling.
• Previous experience collaborating across experimental and computational research groups.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental procedures.
• Strong quantitative, scientific writing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Responsibilities

• Generate and analyze experimental data supporting computational studies and project milestones.
• Conduct tissue procurement and dissection, specimen preparation, and mechanical testing of human vaginal tissue.
• Acquire, process, analyze, and interpret experimental data.
• Analyze tissue mechanical behavior and fit constitutive models to experimental data.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers across a multidisciplinary research team.
• Conduct research independently and troubleshoot experimental procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time