Postdoctoral Associate (Computational Ultrasound and Wave Physics)

Project Overview

The Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) is committed to creating next-generation wearable imaging technologies tailored for aging populations. By combining expertise in wearable transducers, biomedical imaging, materials science, data analytics, and healthcare innovation, WITEC aims to design solutions that will improve quality of life, support preventative medicine, and reduce healthcare burdens. Specific objectives include the development of wearable ultrasound imaging systems for doing cardiovascular echography, AI-powered diagnostic algorithms, and integration with digital health platforms for real-time monitoring and clinical decision support.

WITEC brings together interdisciplinary researchers from MIT and Singaporean institutions, including hospitals and research agencies. Through deep collaboration with local partners, including clinicians, industry, and policymakers, WITEC will ensure that its technological advancements are innovative, clinically validated, and suitable for industrial scale up.

Responsibilities

The WITEC IRG at SMART is seeking a qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral Associate position supervised by professors from MIT and Singapore. This position will entail the following technical responsibilities:

1, Lead the development of wearable ultrasound transducers and systems for long-term cardiovascular monitoring and health assessment.

2, Develop multi-physics simulation frameworks for the design and optimization of ultrasonic transducer arrays and acoustic beamforming. Apply advanced optimization techniques, including genetic algorithms, to optimize transducer architectures.

3, Develop computational mechanics workflows to predict material properties and guide the design of acoustic metamaterials. Investigate and optimize metamaterial structures for advanced beamforming, wave manipulation, and enhanced pulse-echo performance of ultrasonic transducers.

4, Conduct comprehensive characterization of ultrasonic transducers, including acoustic transmission and reflection measurements, acoustic field mapping, pulse-echo testing, and related performance evaluations. Develop and implement experimental methodologies to validate the acoustic responses of metamaterials under various ultrasonic excitation conditions.

5, Perform numerical simulations to investigate ultrasound propagation in biological tissues and the human body, supporting device design, performance optimization, and clinical applications.

6, Collaborate closely with clinical partners to support clinical protocol development, imaging data acquisition, signal processing, and data analysis for pilot studies and clinical validation.

7, Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

1, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.

2, Strong background in acoustics, acoustic metamaterials, solid mechanics, wave propagation, and ultrasonic medical image processing.

3, Demonstrated expertise in the modelling, design, and optimization of acoustic transducers and metamaterials, with a solid understanding of acoustic wave physics and numerical simulation methods. Experience with finite-element methods tools such as COMSOL is highly desirable.

4, Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C++, or related programming languages.

5, Experience in ultrasonic medical imaging and acoustic wave propagation modelling in biological tissues and the human body. Familiarity with ultrasound simulation tools such as k-Wave or equivalent software is an advantage.

6, Experience in cardiovascular image analysis is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with ultrasound research platforms, particularly Verasonics systems, is highly desirable. Knowledge of advanced ultrasound imaging techniques, including Doppler imaging, harmonic imaging, and quantitative ultrasound, is preferred.

7, Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

To apply, please visit our website at: https://portal.smart.mit.edu/careers/career-opportunities

Interested applicants are invited to send in their full CV/resume, cover letter and list of three references (to include reference names and contact information). We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.