Research Assistant in Biomechanics of Locomotion

Job Summary

This is a research opportunity for graduating biomedical/mechanical engineers starting on or around July 2026 in the Bhandawat Lab. We study how animal behavior emerges from the complex interaction amongst the animal's nervous systems, their muscle-body dynamics, and their environment. We use fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as our model organism because they perform many complex behaviors with a relatively simple brain, and because of the many genetic tools that are available in the flies.

We employ a multi-pronged approach which includes in vivo whole-cell patch clamp recordings, imaging, and quantitative measurement of behavior, biomechanics and computation. For more information on research conducted in the Bhandawat lab, please check our website at http://biomed.drexel.edu/labs/bhandawat/

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.

Essential Functions

• Understand how neural activity, muscle properties, and the relation between muscle contraction and joint movement control the movement of a fly's legs and the coordination between legs. In doing this research, the candidate will:
  
  
  
  • Do high-speed videography;
  • Do instrumentation;
  • Make custom-holders, make sensors or combine available devices to perform data acquisition;
  • Use machine learning methods to track the movement of the fly's body as well as its center of mass;
  • Use mechanics to fit models of locomotion to fly walking data;
  • Use a force sensor to measure forces from a fly's leg;
  • Share in performing some routine jobs needed to run the lab.
  
  
  
  
• Ability to analyze data and write proposals independently.
• Mentor graduate students.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biosciences, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information).
• Knowledge of programming and instrumentation, especially MATLAB or Python.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Familiarity with dynamical systems is highly valued.
• Some knowledge of neuroscience and muscle physiology will be helpful.
  Prior research experience, such as undergraduate research or an undergraduate thesis, is required.
• Full-time research experience is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands 25lbs

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $41,120.00- $61,680.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.