Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation develops personalized therapeutic solutions using advanced micro- and nanoscale technologies to address major challenges in human health. The Institute works closely with clinicians, engineers, and industry partners to translate biomaterials, bioelectronics, microfluidics, and biosensing technologies into clinically relevant platforms.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary team developing wearable sweat biosensors for closed-loop obesity management. The project focuses on creating a wearable physiological feedback sensor module that can be integrated with a vagus nerve stimulation-based obesity management system. The first-generation sensor platform will focus on sweat lactate, pH, and ionic strength as metabolic and contextual readouts to support future closed-loop neuromodulation and personalized metabolic monitoring.

The successful candidate will contribute to sensor design, microfluidic sweat collection, electrochemical biosensing, wearable device integration, benchtop validation, data analysis, and prototype development.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on wearable biosensors for metabolic and physiological monitoring.
• Integrate biosensors with flexible substrates, portable electronics, and data acquisition systems.
• Perform calibration, analytical validation, interference testing, stability testing, and repeatability studies in artificial sweat and relevant biological samples.
• Analyze sensor data and develop methods for signal correction, contextual interpretation, and quality control.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, clinicians, neuroscientists, industry partners, and regulatory or translational collaborators.
• Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and partner-facing technical updates.

Required Qualifications

• PhD. in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong research experience in wearable sensors, electrochemical sensing, microfluidics, bioelectronics, or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, collect data, analyze results, and troubleshoot complex technical problems.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet project milestones in a fast-paced translational research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing electrochemical biosensors with various modalities.
• Experience with wearable biosensors, skin-interfaced devices, or physiological monitoring systems.
• Experience with microfluidic device design, soft lithography, laser cutting, flexible materials, adhesive patches, or wearable device fabrication.
• Experience with flexible electronics, portable potentiostat, wireless readout, signal acquisition, or embedded sensor systems.
• Experience with biological sample testing, sensor calibration, interference testing, antifouling strategies, and drift correction.
• Experience with data processing, signal quality analysis, Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Arduino, or related tools.
• Interest in bioelectronic medicine, closed-loop therapeutic systems, neuromodulation, metabolic health, or digital health technologies.
• Experience working with translational research projects, industry collaborations, prototype development, or milestone-driven R&D programs.

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research statement (1–3 pages).
• Contact information for three professional references.