Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biological Sciences
University of Massachusetts Lowell

Job no: 521376
Position type: Staff Full Time
Benefit Status: Benefited-Union
Campus: UMass Lowell
Department: Biological Sciences
Salary: Anticipated salary based on grant is $54,000 - $59,000
Applications Open: Nov 09 2023
Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The Evolutionary Biomechanics and Functional Morphology Lab (www.konowlab.weebly.com), led by Dr. Nicolai Konow (https://www.uml.edu/sciences/biology/people/konow-nicolai.aspx) in the Department of Biological Sciences at University Massachusetts Lowell (https://www.uml.edu/sciences/biology/) invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associateship (non-tenure track) to assist in studies aimed at determining the effects of inactive mass on muscular force production and work, funded by a National Institutes of Health Award. Experience with animal research, isolated (in situ) muscle ergometry, in vitro muscle testing, and/or instrumentation of muscles for in vivo measurements are desired qualifications.

Our lab is a well-equipped facility with a stimulating academic environment for addressing questions about the structure and function of movement in a broad range of vertebrate species. We are recruiting several motivated and collaborative trainees into an NIH award that investigates the effects of varying degrees of activation on the production of force and work in vertebrate skeletal muscle.

Suitable candidates will be those who are excited about multiscale biological phenomena and motivated to explore the unique opportunities provided by this award, in the Konow lab as well as in the labs of our collaborators on this award, Prof. Biewener at Harvard University (Concord Field Station) and Prof. James Wakeling (Simon Fraser University, BC), as well as across our recently established UMass Movement (UMOVE) Center. The incumbent will be provided with opportunities to shape extraordinary professional profiles via active investigation across scales of biological organization.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field prior to the start date
• Evidence of a building, prolific record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated experience with experimental, hypothesis-driven research in e.g., muscle physiology, functional morphology, comparative anatomy, and/or biomechanics of musculoskeletal function
• Demonstrated experience with collecting data from live or dead animals
• Explicit understanding of the importance of inquiry across scales of biological organization
• An interest in gaining cross-disciplinary training across scales of biological organization
• Strong quantitative skills, or evidence of the ability to quickly acquire such skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with force-length measurements from intact muscles, fiber bundles, or single fibers in situ or in vitro
• Experience with measuring muscle activation, strain, and/or force measurements from muscles in vivo

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for approximately one-year with a possibility of renewal based on productivity, successful performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a CV, cover letter describing your background and qualifications, and your student mentoring-teaching statement, and publications in peer-reviewed journals with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.