Duke University, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Position ID:
Position Title:
Associate in Research
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27701, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
2025/06/26 11:59PM
(posted 2025/06/16, listed until 2025/12/16)
(posted 2025/06/16, listed until 2025/12/16)Position Description:
Position Description
The Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University is one of the fastest rising, highly ranked engineering schools in the nation. The school consists of four departments with 130 tenure-track faculty members, 1250 undergraduate students, 1400 master’s students, and 600 PhD students. Housed within a university renowned for its programs in the liberal arts, medicine, business and law, Pratt prepares future engineering leaders to address complex challenges with solutions that take into account the complexities and nuances of implementing them. Pratt takes a whole-student approach to education, ensuring students are well supported throughout their journeys and graduate with the grit and determination required to persevere in their careers and their lives. Pratt is dedicated to the values of diversity, equitability, inclusivity and community in its pursuit of knowledge and service to society. Occupational Summary An individual with academic credentials but without a doctorate and not a degree candidate. Assists faculty members in research programs by participating in the research directly or in organizing a program under which the research is carried out. This classification is administered on Campus through the Office of the Provost and in the Medical Center through the Office of the Chancellor for Health Affairs. It is not subject to the Wage and Salary system. Work Performed The Associate in Research will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), graduate students, and external collaborators to support the planning, execution, and documentation of experiments in acoustofluidic technologies. Core responsibilities include contributing to the design, fabrication, and prototyping of acoustofluidic devices, with a focus on identifying and validating appropriate biomedical applications. The role also includes operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, execution of high-resolution optical and fluorescence microscopy, and rigorous data collection and analysis. In addition, the candidate will coordinate with internal and external research teams and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals. In addition to experimental work, the candidate is expected to contribute significantly to scientific writing, including drafting peer-reviewed publications and preparing grant proposals. The candidate will engage in collaborative projects, including cross-lab and cross-institutional efforts, and is encouraged to develop independent research directions aligned with the lab’s mission. Leadership in mentoring students, managing day-to-day lab operations, and participating in strategic planning for future research initiatives is an integral part of the role. Required Qualifications at this Level Education/Training The position requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or a closely related field. Candidates with a strong interdisciplinary background relevant to engineering, physics, and biology are especially encouraged to apply. Experience Candidates must have substantial research experience directly relevant to acoustics, optics, biomedicine, microfluidics, or closely related fields, with deep expertise in experimental design, device development, and system-level integration. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent and original research, formulate and pursue novel scientific questions, and develop innovative experimental platforms. Experience or interest in extending acoustofluidic principles to emerging biomedical applications, such as wearable devices, implantable medical systems, and intelligent diagnostics is highly desirable. Experience with integrating acoustofluidic systems with sensors, flexible materials, wireless modules, or AI-based signal processing and control strategies will be considered a strong asset. The candidate is expected to lead technical efforts within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the lab’s long-term research vision. A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and active involvement in interdisciplinary research projects is essential. Skills The successful candidate must possess advanced experimental and analytical skills, with demonstrated expertise in designing and executing complex experiments in one or more of the following areas: •Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Microfluidics: A strong foundation in MEMS and microfluidics is essential, including experience in microfabrication, device integration, and system-level characterization. Proficiency in materials selection, thin-film deposition, surface modification, and advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, profilometry, AFM) is highly desirable—especially in the context of functional materials used in acoustofluidic and biomedical applications. •Applied Physics and Modeling: A solid background in applied physics is important, particularly in wave propagation, soft matter mechanics, and electromechanical coupling. Proficiency in computational modeling tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics is expected, with the ability to simulate acoustic, fluidic, and thermal fields, interpret complex physical interactions, and optimize device performance through iterative design. •Biological Systems and Biosensing: Familiarity with biological systems and bioanalytical techniques is highly desirable. This includes experience with cell culture, molecular assay integration, and biosensing methods. Expertise in interfacing acoustofluidic devices with biological samples for diagnostic or analytical purposes—such as exosome detection, immunoassays, or single-cell analysis—is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate engineering principles, computational modeling, and biological insight to advance innovation in acoustofluidic technologies, particularly for biomedical research and diagnostic applications. Beyond technical excellence, the candidate is expected to show strong research leadership and project management capabilities. This includes independently designing and executing complex experimental studies, leading multidisciplinary collaborations, and contributing strategically to the research program’s development and direction. In addition, the candidate should exhibit strong potential for future independent research leadership. This includes a track record—or clear potential—for high-quality scientific writing, successful peer-reviewed publications, and contributions to competitive grant proposals. A proactive, collaborative approach and strong communication skills will be essential for success in this dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful candidate must possess advanced experimental and analytical skills, with demonstrated proficiency in designing and conducting complex experiments in one of the following disciplines: •A strong foundation in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), encompassing microfabrication, device integration, and system-level characterization. Experience with materials selection, thin-film deposition, surface modification, and characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, profilometry, AFM) is highly desirable, particularly in the context of functional materials used in acoustofluidic and biomedical systems. •A solid background in applied physics, including wave propagation, soft matter mechanics, and electromechanical coupling, is important for understanding and designing complex acoustofluidic phenomena. Proficiency in computational and modeling tools, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, for simulating acoustic, fluidic, and thermal fields, as well as for interpreting and optimizing device performance. •Familiarity with biological systems and detection techniques is highly desirable, including cell culture, molecular assay integration, and biosensing. Experience in interfacing acoustofluidic platforms with biological samples for diagnostic or analytical applications—such as exosome detection, immunoassays, or single-cell analysis—is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will have the ability to integrate engineering, computation, and biological insight to drive innovation in acoustofluidic applications, particularly those relevant to biomedical research and diagnostics. Beyond technical proficiency, the candidate is expected to demonstrate strong research leadership and project management capabilities. This includes independently designing and executing complex experiments, leading collaborative efforts across disciplines or institutions, and contributing strategically to the direction of the research program. The candidate should exhibit strong potential for future independent research leadership, including experience in scientific writing for peer-reviewed publications and competitive grant proposals. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Essential Physical Job Functions Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
919-660-5359
Duke University
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Box 90300
Durham, NC 27708
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Box 90300
Durham, NC 27708