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Postdoctoral Scholar Positions (3 Openings) – Magnetic Milli-Spinner Microbots for Endovascular Intervention
Stanford University – Zhao Lab
The Zhao at Stanford University is seeking three highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholars to join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation microbots for minimally invasive endovascular intervention.
https://zhaolab.stanford.edu/research/milli-spinner-medical-devices
These positions are focused on autonomous robotic treatment of stroke. Successful candidates will play leading roles in developing the magnetic milli-spinner, a novel untethered robotic platform capable of high-speed vascular navigation, clot debulking, and targeted intervention in the neurovascular system.
Position Overview
Depending on expertise and interests, candidates will contribute to one or more of the following areas:
Position 1&2 – Computation-Guided Design and Experimental Validation of Milli-Spinner Microbots
- Perform computation-guided design and optimization of milli-spinner geometries and operating parameters.
- Apply machine learning and optimization techniques to accelerate design and control.
- Design and conduct benchtop experiments to evaluate navigation, clot debulking efficiency, and procedural safety.
- Validate computational models and improve system performance.
- Develop vascular flow models and experimental testbeds.
- Integrate magnetic actuation systems, robotic hardware, and imaging systems.
- Participate in ex vivo and in vivo studies.
Position 3 – Robotic Control and Autonomy
- Develop robotic control algorithms for magnetic milli-spinner navigation and manipulation.
- Design motion planning, localization, state estimation, and autonomous navigation strategies in complex vascular environments.
- Integrate sensing, imaging, and control systems for closed-loop operation.
- Develop AI-enabled approaches for autonomous endovascular intervention.
Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize magnetic milli-spinner robotic systems for endovascular intervention.
- Collaborate with engineers, clinicians, and scientists to advance robotic treatment of vascular diseases.
- Conduct computational and experimental studies to improve navigation performance, clot removal efficiency, and safety.
- Develop image-guided tracking and vision-based control algorithms using fluoroscopy or other imaging modalities.
- Build and integrate robotic hardware, magnetic actuation systems, and experimental platforms.
- Analyze data and disseminate results through high-impact publications, patents, and conference presentations.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, or a related field.
- Background in one or more of the following would be a plus:
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Motion planning and control
- Computer vision and image-guided intervention
- Medical robotics
- Magnetic actuation and control
- Computational mechanics and simulation
- Fluid mechanics and multiphysics modeling
- Optimization and machine learning
- Mechatronic system design
- Experience with robotic hardware development and experimental testing.
- Experience in surgical robotics, endovascular intervention, medical devices, or vascular technologies is highly desirable.
- Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Research Environment
The selected candidates will join a multidisciplinary team at Stanford working at the intersection of robotics, AI, medicine, and advanced manufacturing. The project offers a unique opportunity to develop transformative robotic technologies with direct clinical impact while collaborating with world-leading experts in neurointervention, vascular surgery, medical imaging, and robotic systems.
Application Materials
Interested applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief statement of research interests
- Up to three representative publications
- Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.
ME PhD student position
The Soft Intelligent Materials (SIM) Laboratory invites outstanding and highly self-motivated students to apply for PhD or Master program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. Candidates with a strong background in solid mechanics or material synthesis are particularly encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should contact Prof. Ruike Zhao directly at rrzhao@stanford.edu with a personal statement and a complete curriculum vitae.
ME PhD postdoc position
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the SIM Lab (Director: Dr. Ruike (Renee) Zhao) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. The research at SIM Lab focuses on the fundamental understanding and development of soft intelligent material systems. The SIM Lab has expertise in finite element analysis, mechanics-guided material and structural design, and advanced manufacturing of functional soft composites. The objective of the research is to provide guidance to develop advanced materials and structures for innovative functional devices and systems. By utilizing analytical, numerical and experimental tools, the SIM Lab studies the functional responses of the intelligent materials that are subject to external stimuli such as stress, temperature, chemical, electric or magnetic fields. Applications include soft actuators, soft robotics, flexible electronics, tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, and sustainable energy.
The successful candidate should be self-motivated, independent, collaborative, and excellent in communication skills. A Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics or related disciplinary is required. Experience in the following areas is preferred:
Finite element-based simulations for coupled multiphysics problems, such as fluid-structure interactions, material responses due to chemical and thermal stimuli.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Mechanism design for sensors, actuators, and soft robots
The initial appointment is one year but can be renewed depending on the funding and the performance. To apply, please submit a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, and the contact information of three references.