Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The Ethier Lab in the Department of Ophthalmology at Emory University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our team working at the intersection of ocular biomechanics, glaucoma, and computational modeling.

Project Summary:
Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness, and is often associated with impaired drainage of the aqueous humor fluid from the eye. The critical tissue controlling fluid drainage is the trabecular meshwork (TM). Previously, we showed abnormal TM biomechanical properties in glaucoma eyes (e.g. PMID 27448987). In this NIH-funded project, we wish to further investigate the spatial correlation between TM biomechanical properties, fluid drainage patterns and glaucoma. The research combines in vivo OCT imaging in mice with finite element modeling (using FEBio) to quantify TM biomechanical properties. Due to the computationally intensive nature of this task, we will explore the use of FEBio outputs to drive a physics-informed AI model as part of inverse modeling pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and analyze 3D finite element models of the aqueous outflow pathway from segmented visible light OCT image sets.
• Apply modeling (e.g., iFEM in FEBio) to experimental OCT data gathered at different ocular pressure levels.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (engineering, vision science, ophthalmology).
• Lead manuscript writing and present findings at conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience in computational biomechanics, particularly FEBio or similar FEA platforms.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Preferred but not required:

• Familiarity with ocular biomechanics or glaucoma.
• Experience in optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Experience in physics-informed AI approaches.

We welcome researchers with an interest in mentoring junior trainees and developing their own funding profile. The position is available immediately and includes competitive salary and benefits. The initial appointment is for up to four years.

More about Ethier lab research at: ‪C. Ross Ethier - ‪Google Scholar

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience, education and training.
• Strong technical background.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location.  Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.