Research Associate Senior in the Cesar de Cesar de Netto Lab

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

 

Occupational Summary 

Working with principles of orthopaedic biomechanics focused on clinical and translational foot and ankle imaging research, independently and collaboratively develop and lead biomechanical, clinical, and translational research projects that integrate understanding of foot and ankle across the lifespan and specialties including pediatrics, neurology, physical therapy, sports medicine, and orthopaedic trauma. 

 

Work Performed

• Design, conduct, and analyze cadaveric studies particularly those with image-based translational outcomes. 
• Develop and employ complex engineering methodologies with orthopaedic/medical knowledge to answer clinical questions using medical imaging data, motion capture systems, mechanical testing equipment, and commercial (Mimics, SAS, Matlab, etc.) or custom software (Python, Matlab, etc). 
• Utilize specific expertise in functional analysis with weightbearing CT, biplane fluoroscopy, and pedography to evaluate foot and ankle conditions with applications to understanding injury risk and impact of deformities. 
• Continue strong publication track record in clinical and translational Orthopaedic foot and ankle research. 
• Continue to demonstrate success in the application for and management of external funding. Assist in preparation of documents for government and industry funding 
• Coordination of collection of specimens from the OR to translational labs 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience directing and managing an Orthopaedic research laboratory focused on understanding foot and ankle biomechanics through functional imaging. 
• Strong publication track record in the evaluation of pediatric deformities like clubfoot and planovalgus in cerebral palsy. 
• Expertise in the evaluation of foot and ankle trauma using advanced imaging modalities to quantify both the severity of injury and quality of reconstruction. 
• Expertise in the evaluation of sports injuries to the foot and ankle using quantitative methods to evaluate things like syndesmotic injury, arthroscopic access, and Achilles tendon structure. 
• Experience designing mechanical loading and testing setups for cadaveric foot and ankle research. 
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of statistical shape modeling, image-based biomechanical modeling, machine learning, and novel automated measurement techniques toward understanding the impact of functional weight bearing and surgical intervention. 
• Experience working in highly collaborative environments with Orthopaedic surgeons, residents, fellows, engineers, physical therapists, statisticians, research coordinators, and industry scientists. 

 

Required Qualifications at this Level 

Education/Training: PhD Biomedical Engineering 

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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. 

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