Post-Doctoral Scholar

Position Summary

The UCF COM Department of Medicine’s Aerospace Medicine program invites applications for a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to support the development of protocols, code, procedures, immersive simulated environments, and hardware prototypes for the Medical Autonomy Research and Validation in Extreme Environments Laboratory (MARVEL).

The MARVEL Lab advances the integration of medical systems and the rapid prototyping of healthcare solutions for spaceflight, aviation, and other extreme environments. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the research, development, and implementation of medical devices, software, operational workflows, realistic spacecraft, and mission environment models for display on immersive screens and physical prototypes using 3D printing and CNC machining.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will:

• Design, develop, and validate laboratory protocols to test medical devices and integrated medical systems under simulated extreme conditions.
• Write, document, and implement software code and scripts for data acquisition, device control, automation of testbeds, and simulations.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the MARVEL lab’s workflows, equipment use, and integration of novel medical technologies.
• Design and model realistic spacecraft, habitat, and operational environments to be displayed on the MARVEL lab’s immersive screens, enabling high-fidelity scenario-based testing and training.
• Use 3D design software to create components and environments suitable for 3D printing and CNC machining, and produce physical prototypes of devices, test rigs, and other experimental setups.
• Perform hands-on assembly and board-level work, including soldering of electronic components, wiring, and integration of hardware systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (engineering, medicine, human factors, computer science) to prototype and evaluate medical support solutions for operational scenarios (e.g., spaceflight missions, remote medicine).
• Conduct research and disseminate findings through presentations, publications, and reports.
• Assist in grant writing, project management, and mentoring of students engaged in MARVEL projects.
• Support the setup, maintenance, and enhancement of MARVEL laboratory infrastructure and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, human factors, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline) awarded by the start date of the fellowship.
• Strong experience in at least one of the following:
  • Development and testing of medical devices or health technologies.
  • Embedded systems programming, coding for device control, or data acquisition.
  • Protocol development and experimental design in laboratory or field settings.
  • 3D modeling, environment design, or immersive simulation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with 3D design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Blender) for 3D printing and CNC machining applications.
• Experience with rapid prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, PCB fabrication).
• Experience in designing and modeling spacecraft, habitat, or mission environments using 3D modeling software (e.g., Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine) for display on immersive systems.
• Proficiency in board-level work, including soldering and assembling electronic circuits and components.
• Proficiency with programming languages and tools commonly used for medical systems integration and visualization (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW).

Duration and Compensation

• This is a full-time appointment, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
• Salary is commensurate with experience and follows UCF and NIH postdoctoral fellowship guidelines.
• The position includes benefits consistent with UCF employment policies.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.