Description:
The Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is recruiting a full time Research Associate to work in Dr. Dale Podolsky’s lab, the Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Innovation. This is a one-year position, with the possibility of extension. We are looking for an individual with an interest in medical and surgical robotics and medical device design to join our research centre to manage the lab, develop tools and control algorithms for surgical robots and medical devices in the field of cleft surgery, craniofacial surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
The Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Innovation (CCCI) is within the Poslun’s Centre for Image Guided Innovation and Therapeutic Intervention (PCIGITI). The CCCI is a multi-disciplinary initiative focused in the development of minimally invasive instruments, robotics, simulation, and medical device design within cleft and craniofacial surgery.
PCIGITI is a multi-disciplinary image-guided robotics lab at SickKids with the focus on development of minimally invasive surgical tools and non-invasive therapy such as MR-guided focused ultrasound. The PCIGITI offers an exciting fast paced research environment within the clinical space of the hospital.
The Research Associate in the Podolsky lab will be responsible for conducting and coordinating research in surgical robotics and medical device design which includes the following duties:
- Supporting, mentoring, and managing a growing team of engineers and graduate students (doctoral and masters level)
- Developing mechanical, electrical, and software components for custom designed robotic systems and medical devices
- 3D CAD modeling of motor and mechanisms to modify and prototype parts
- 3D printing various fixtures and assemblies
- Hands-on machining, assembly, and testing for motor modules
- System integration and experimental work for testing and validation purposes
- Working with surgeons and clinicians to develop potential innovative applications
- Model system dynamics and develop robotic controllers in Matlab/Simulink
- Create any necessary libraries for communication between Matlab/Simulink to C++ for supporting haptic controllers, data monitoring and related items
- Supporting phantom and in-vivo testing
- Supporting research and innovation contracts including documentation required for patent applications
- Supporting knowledge dissemination activities including publication of scientific work in peer-review journals and conferences
- Supervising/mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and medical and engineering students
- Tracking printer and material usage
- Supporting application and documentation for grants and ethics applications
Qualifications:
- Strong 3D modeling skills with Solidworks or CAD equivalent
- CAM exposure with g-code generation
- Manual and CNC experience for plastic and metal fabrication
- Experienced in using Objet, ProJet and related FDM printers
- Exposure and knowledge of real-time control in Matlab/Labview
- Experience with electromechanical components such as AC servo motors, force sensors, encoders etc
- Function independently yet collaboratively within a team; takes initiative and requires minimal direction and supervision
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills
For this position, the individual should have the following skills:
- PhD in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering preferred
- Will consider undergraduate or masters level if the applicant has the required skills
- Strong hands-on mechatronics background with history of mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
- Strong programming background in C and C++
- Expertise in robot dynamics and modeling
- Expertise in Matlab/Simulink
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with history of publications