Texas Tech University hiring TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate in Lubbock, Texas, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

Lubbock

TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate

37885BR

Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About The UniversityEstablished in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.

About Lubbock:Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About The Department And/or CollegeMechanical engineering is the largest major in the engineering college at Texas Tech University. The Department is ranked in the top 25 in producing B.S.M.E. graduates (a total of 274 schools reported) according to ASEE. In 2022-2023 academic year, the Department awarded 253 undergraduate degrees, 32 MS degrees, and 15 PhD degrees. In Fall 2023, the Department enrollment includes 145 graduate students and 641 undergraduate students who have met the requirements and been accepted to the ME program. In addition, another 873 first-year undergraduate students have their concentration set for ME and are working to complete the required foundational coursework/GPA requirements. This is a strong testament to the demand and strength for ME!

Currently, the Department has 39 highly qualified faculty members from diverse backgrounds who conduct advanced research, advise students, and teach a rigorous curriculum. ME faculty serve as the investigators of numerous research awards totaling $4M per year. Many of the faculty members are fellows in their professional organizations, and many have received numerous teaching and research awards. Department faculty recognitions and awards include membership in the US National Academy of Engineering and foreign Academies of Engineering and Science, recognitions as Thomson-Reuters highly cited scholars, receipts of NSF CAREER awards, PECASE awards, and Department of Defense Young Investigator awards.

Major/Essential FunctionsThe Cancer Cell Mechanics Research Group (breast and prostate cancer), directed by Fazle Hussain, PhD, is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Associate ASAP. The group focuses on understanding the effects of cell signaling pathways on cancer cell migration, mechanics, and metastasis, as well as the mitigating effects of naturopathic compounds and nanotherapy. The group also addresses environmental cleanup and enhancing lipids and valuable compounds in microalgae, as well as food and lipid production in both Martian and Earth environments. A Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate will have the opportunity to lead the development of new projects in cancer and microalgae biology at a fundamental level. Prospects for new projects are not solely limited to these areas. Interest/background in bioinformatics and AI would be helpful.

Required QualificationsPhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have strong conceptual background in biochemistry/bioengineering. Be self-motivated, able to perform independent studies, as well as function proactively and collegially in a team setting.
• Have strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge in fundamentals of biomechanics, biomaterials, and biofluidics is desirable.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Occasional Duties

Perform rigorous research, publish in top journals, and also prepare research proposals. Work may also involve helping with general writing and lab safety certifications.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates Should Submit The Following

• A cover letter to Dr. Zeina Khan (zeina.khkan@ttu.edu) addressing some of the above requirements
• An outline of possible projects with timelines and needed resources
• CV
• Name and contact information for 3 scientific references

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Posts in Specialty Journals, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

None

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

8-5

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

NonTenure track

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.