Research Fellow-Translational Bioengineering Dr. Oklu

Translational Bioengineering:
Developing and testing novel devices in preclinical models.

A new position in the field of bioengineering and translational research is available for a highly enthusiastic Postdoctoral Fellow to lead NIH‑funded research. The candidate will focus on device development, device testing in various small and large animal models and be a member of a multidisciplinary team that includes clinicians, engineers, and scientists. Testing of clinically applicable devices such as biomaterials and sensors is performed in large animal models with a strong emphasis on translation of these bioengineered designs.

The expertise of the PI laboratory includes molecular biology, biochemistry, angiography, large animal models, bioengineering, and the use of sophisticated clinical image‑guided techniques.

In terms of training and career goals, the PI will work with candidates on individual career development plans that may include the training in advanced career skills such as grant writing for NIH and regulatory work with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Future career goals for the applicant (towards the end of a multi‑year training period in the Oklu lab) may include a transition to independence as a new PI or the potential of partaking in scientifically related entrepreneurial activities (contingent upon achievement of academic milestones).

Other roles of the candidate include, but are not limited to, the development of research ideas, projects, and study protocols; participation in weekly research meetings to generate relevant and novel research ideas for grant applications; correspondence with the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee & Institutional Review Board; submission of applications for new research projects; renewal of applications for existing and ongoing studies;

and termination of completed projects. Preparation and presentation of abstracts for podium or poster, write abstracts for submission to annual scientific meetings, present accepted abstracts as podium or poster during scientific meetings, manuscript writing and submission to scientific journals, complete manuscripts and submit to peer‑reviewed journals.

The PI (Dr. Rahmi Oklu) focuses on Patient‑Inspired Engineering; problems encountered in the clinic motivate his research focus (i.e., Science Translational Medicine Cover articles PMID: , ; Advanced Materials PMID: , , , ; Nature BME PMID:). Dr. Oklu is a physician‑scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is a Professor and Consultant in the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Mayo Clinic and the Director of the Laboratory for Patient‑Inspired Engineering.

Dr. Oklu’s laboratory is funded by National Institutes of Health R01 grants HL137193, HL140951, EB0204403, CA257558, and the Mayo Clinic.

A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical‑based research or laboratory‑based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program. A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide training and education in research. Individuals will train in the research program of a Mayo Clinic principal investigator. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer‑reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants.

Proof of English proficiency is required for J‑1 Short‑Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic.

The following is required for completeness of application:

• Current curriculum vitae with bibliography
• Proof of doctoral degree (copy of diploma or final transcript with English translation, if applicable) or a letter from your university’s Registrar office indicating you have fulfilled all doctoral program requirements and are eligible to graduate.
• Please also be prepared that you may be asked to provide three letters of recommendation to the hiring PI prior to an interview.