NASA Johnson Space Center

Location: Houston, TX

Acoustics Engineering Internship

This position will be within the Human Factors and System Management team, which supports the Acoustics Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The team is responsible for ensuring safe, healthy, and habitable vehicle acoustic environments, in which astronaut crews can live, communicate, and work. Considerations for spacecraft acoustic environments include maintaining acceptable background noise levels that balance the need to operate critical environmental systems (fans, pumps, etc.) while also enabling effective communication, providing restful sleep and respite environments, and ensuring adequate alarm audibility. Other considerations include minimizing annoyance type noises such as prevalent tones and impulses. To accomplish these goals, the Acoustics Office verifies that space vehicle environments and integrated hardware meet their acoustic requirements, routinely monitorsacoustic levels within space vehicle environments to ensure safe exposure levels, and implements noise mitigation, as necessary, to address unacceptable noise emissions or environments.  The successful applicant will support this effort by conducting studies of novel acoustic material layups to quantify their effectiveness as mitigation treatments and ensure compatibility with exploration atmosphere requirements of future space vehicle environments and habitats.

Specific Duties include:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:
The candidate must have at least 2 years of undergraduate experience in acoustics, physics, mechanical engineering, or another closely related technical discipline.  Preferred candidates will have obtained a bachelor's degree in acoustics or a related technical discipline or be currently enrolled in an acoustics-related graduate program.

Desired:
The candidate should possess knowledge of acoustics, including basic theory and wave propagation, and data post-processing in MATLAB or Excel. Personnel should also have experience with common lab equipment, including but not limited to DC power supplies and multimeters.

The following skills are not required but are considered to be valuable assets to our team:

SKILLS/TRAINING
Required:
The candidate must have demonstrated leadership capabilities and be detail oriented. The qualified applicant must also have excellent oral and written communication skills, including effective communication between external groups as well as report writing. Personnel must be a ‘go-getter’ and be able to work independently after initial training as well as collaboratively.

To apply, send an email with an attached resume to travis.n.hoyt@nasa.gov

Pennsylvania State University

Location: State College, PA

Careers at the Applied Research Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University
Deputy Director as the Head of the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO)

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas. We are looking for a high energy, highly skilled leader in fluid dynamics and acoustics to join us as the Deputy Director and Head of the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at our State College, PA, location. The FDAO is a team of approximately 80 research faculty, research engineers, technical/non-technical support staff, and students and is currently comprised of four research divisions, focused on core competencies in experimental and computational fluid dynamics, acoustics, and vibration.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to sustain our research and development in basic and applied experimental fluid dynamics (marine systems, turbomachinery, and testing with concentrations in advanced flow measurement techniques, hydrodynamics testing, pump design, and marine renewable energy); acoustics research (vibration and noise reduction using experimental measurements and computational predictions in complex structures with concentrations in flow acoustics, structural acoustics, and engineering acoustics); computational fluid dynamics (advanced physics modeling using high performance computing where state-of-the-art design and analysis software tools allow us to execute high fidelity numerical simulation); and research concentrations (including pump design, multi-phase flow simulations, biological and biomedical simulations, vehicle control dynamics, and computational methods development). FDAO also supports a number of facilities for experimental testing and provides complete experimental support from initial concept and design to fabrication and performance evaluations, test model, electronics, and instrumentation designs and applications, and test articles and instrumentation fabrication and assembly.

Just as important, you will be responsible for fostering a positive and collaborative environment, providing guidance, support, and professional development for current and future generations of the FDAO team..

This position can be filled as a non-tenure line Research Faculty or as a Research and Development Engineer Level 5.

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred)
• 19+ years of related experience.

A vision for the future of the FDAO, and the ability to develop and implement an effective strategic plan to realize that vision, is required.  Other requirements include:

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, problem solving, and technical management skills, as evidenced by career path, team development, and accomplishments
• Experience with sponsoring offices for relevant technology areas
• A record of technical accomplishments in one or more of the research areas noted above
• Proven ability to obtain external funding for proposed research
• Broad experience across relevant defense, intelligence, and related U.S. Government domains
• Experience with DoD, Navy, and industrial research funding activities
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Washington, DC, and other areas, visiting other ARL offices, representing ongoing programs with sponsors, and developing new research initiatives
• Success working alongside a diverse group of people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds
• Comfort level in environments where various forms of communication, presentation, and organizational skills are crucial to be effective
• Characteristics of sound judgement, integrity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.  You will be subject to government security investigations and must possess a current eligibility for a secret security clearance; candidates holding an active TS/SCI clearance will be given preference.  Due to the financial or fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will also be required, in addition to standard background checks. Review of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until a qualified applicant is hired. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

To view the full job description, and to apply online, visit:

Faculty track: https://apptrkr.com/4176950/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Deputy-Director-as-the-Head-of-the-Fluid-Dynamics-and-Acoustics-Office–FDAO-_REQ_0000042932-1

Engineer track: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Deputy-Director-as-the-Head-of-the-Fluid-Dynamics-and-Acoustics-Office–FDAO-_REQ_0000042996-2

Happy Valley, aka State College, PA, is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions as a Big Ten college sporting event mecca and the Bryce Jordan Center, which has hosted some of the world’s best entertainers. We have miles of hiking trails, numerous lakes for water sports, and streams for world renowned fly fishing. If you want a quick getaway, we are within reach of the Finger Lakes of New York, Hershey's Chocolate Town, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Big Apple. Our local University Park airport can take you literally anywhere else! Whether you're in the mood for a family day at the lake, an educational day trip to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, want to catch a Steelers or Eagles home game, or need a long weekend at Maryland's beaches, you can do it all from here!

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).  We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at https://www.arl.psu.edu/.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

https://hr.psu.edu/careers/covid-19-vaccine-reqs Penn State is committed to the health of our local and global communities. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to comply with COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements.

Sarkar Lab at George Washington Univ.

Location: Washington, D.C.

PhD Student Opening in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at The George Washington University, Washington, DC

Join the Sarkar Group in performing fundamental biomedical acoustics research in the heart of DC! As a PhD student in the lab, you would develop and implement novel experiments involving bubbles, droplets, and liposomes for ultrasound diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Additional research methods include theory, modeling, and computation. The course of study will be personalized to the student’s interests, and the student will receive financial support (current funding includes two NIH grants and one NSF grant). The ideal student is highly motivated and eager to learn.

Qualification:

For more information or to apply email Prof. Kausik Sarkar at sarkar@gwu.edu

Waveguide

Location: Remote position

Waveguide LLC is an independent AV, IT and acoustics consulting and design firm committed to providing superior service and comprehensive designs for our clients in a dynamic, collaborative, team environment. Our technology expertise includes audiovisual systems consulting and design, voice and data communications infrastructure, communication-friendly acoustic environments, and ongoing AV operations services. We work together as a team to create strategic technology plans, efficient building and infrastructure designs, and effective technology system solutions to drive the success of our clients’ organizations. The projects we work on result in exciting environments and technology systems that support the way people live and work.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening as an associate acoustic consultant. Remote / home-based work is anticipated as the primary workplace with up to 20% travel to project sites, project meetings or other corporate gatherings. In this acoustics consulting role, you will work with a highly respected, multidisciplinary team on some of the firm’s premier educational, commercial, and institutional building projects. Your primary role will be to assist the firm’sacoustic consultants in executing and supporting individual projects. You may also be expected to represent Waveguide at client meetings.

• Read and analyze architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
• Conduct acoustical measurements including environmental, background noise level, reverberation time and sound isolation measurements..
• Noise and vibration analysis and recommendations for building systems..
• Architectural acoustic analysis and recommendations for a wide range of building types..
• Write and convey technical information in written reports in a clear, concise manner so that the design team can easily implement the recommendations..
• Pursue ongoing professional growth and development of technical skills..
• Assist and contribute to the Waveguide community..

4 Qualifications

• Four-year or higher degree in a relevant technical field (degree in engineering or science with a specialization in vibration and/or acoustics).
• 1 to 3 years of professional acoustical consulting experience.
• Experience with acoustic instrumentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity of educational, commercial, and institutional building design and construction.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in all MS Office applications and Bluebeam Revu.

Submit application   Apply Here.

University of Twente

Location: The Netherlands

3 PhD positions on super-resolution ultrasound imaging in the university of Twente (The Netherlands).

(ERC starting grant 2022 number 101076844 )

Research Project and timeline

Super-FALCON is a 1.88 M€ project funded by the European Research Council (funding instrument: ERC Starting Grant) on Super-resolution, ultrafast and deeply-learned contrast ultrasound imaging of the vascular tree. Starting dates for the proposed positions are between May 2023 and October 2023 as per agreement between the candidate and the local supervisor. The positions will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found (which can be before theagreed-upon starting date of the contract). The duration of the project is 4 years.

Context and general project description

Our healthcare system is under unsustainable strain owing, largely, to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. For both, imaging vasculature and flow precisely is paramount to reduce costs while improving diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the focus is on the multiscale aspects of shear, vorticity, pressure, and mechanics within arteries and capillary beds (10 – 200 μm vessels). However, this requires an imaging depth of ~10 cm with a resolution of ~50 μm. Furthermore, velocities often exceed 1m/s, which requires a frame rate of ~1000 fps. So far, clinical imaging modalities have been incapable of reaching sufficient spatiotemporal resolution and there is thus a dire need for new techniques.

Plane-wave ultrasound enhanced with contrast microbubbles outperforms all modalities in safety, cost, and speed, and is thus the ideal candidate to address this need. The strategy proposed in the Super-FALCON project harnesses the nonlinear dynamics of monodisperse microbubbles. Work package 1 (PhD position 1) will use deep learning and GPU-accelerated acoustic simulations to recover super-resolved (1/20th of the wavelength) bubble clouds. In work package 2 (PhD position 2), we will create a new physical model for confined bubbles and use them as nonlinear sensors for capillary imaging. In work package 3 (PhD position 3), we will disentangle attenuation and scattering using the physics and mathematics of nonlinear ultrasound propagation complemented with deep learning. This will allow us to correct for wave distortion and apply the strategies from work packages 1 and 2 in deep tissue. Finally, in work package 4 (postdoc position), we will use automatic segmentation to integrate the results of WP1, 2 and 3 into a technology that we will scientifically assess on vascularized ex vivo livers.

The ambition of the Super-FALCON project team is to generate a long-term impact both scientifically and societally though new fundamental knowledge (confined bubble dynamics, inhomogeneous ultrasound propagation, and deconvolution strategies) and through new experimental methods for flow imaging and characterization. Carried by the right team, Super-FALCON could initiate a paradigm shift towards patient-specific treatments.

Short description – Work package 1 (PhD position 1)

In this project, you will build a new arterial flow imaging strategy using nonlinear bubble dynamics. You will bring an innovative neural network [1] to the next level in order to identify and isolate bubble signals within the raw ultrasound data received by the ultrasound transducer. These bubble signatures are nonlinear and, in mathematical terms, form an inhomogeneous convolution kernel. You will also directly integrate image reconstruction in the network to provide accurate representations of dense bubble clouds at a resolution of 1/20th of the US wavelength. You will exploit new optimal transport algorithms to translate super-resolved images into real-time velocity and pressure gradient fields. To generate the training data, you will be able to use a novel simulator (developed in collaboration with the university of Delft) which couples flow dynamics, inhomogeneous propagation, and nonlinear bubble physics to generate the training data. You will first assess your discoveries on a rotating drum flow setup, which provides known velocity and pressure fields applied to bubbles in free field. Validation in pulsatile flow will be conducted in our in-vivo-mimicking setup.

[1] Blanken, N. , Wolterink, J. M., Delingette, H. , Brune, C. , Versluis, M. , & Lajoinie, G. (2022). Super-Resolved Microbubble Localization in Single-Channel Ultrasound RF Signals Using Deep Learning. IEEE transactions on medical imaging, 41(9), 2532-2542. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMI.2022.3166443

Short description – Work package 2 (PhD position 2)

Work package 2 consists in a balanced amount of physical modeling and experimental work. Your first task will be to develop a model for bubbles confined in viscoelastic vessels. This model must be both simple enough to be easy to handle and accurate enough to represent the reality we can measure. To this end, you will benefit from the extensive experience of the group in modeling bubble dynamics in complex cases [1-3]. Your second task (effectively taking place concurrently) will be to exploit the effect of confinement on bubble echoes to experimentally measure vessel size and elasticity. You will be able to use the neural network developed by your colleague in work package 1 to locate and isolate the individual bubble signals. Together, we will go further and design nonlinear pulsing scheme to readily measure single microbubbles in their minute details. Experimental validation will be conducted on perfused capillary phantoms (10 to 200 μm diameter) fabricated by molding micro-wires in tissue-mimicking hydrogels.

[1] Versluis, M. et al. Ultrasound Contrast Agent Modeling: A Review. Ultrasound Med. Biol. 46, 2117-2144 (2020).

[2] Lajoinie, G. et al. Non-spherical oscillations drive the ultrasound-mediated release from targeted microbubbles. Commun. Phys. 1, 22 (2018).

[3] Wang, Y. et al. Giant and explosive plasmonic bubbles by delayed nucleation. PNAS 115, 7676 (2018).

Short description – Work package 3 (PhD position 3)

Work packages 1 and 2 require accurate sensing of the bubble responses. Distortion caused by frequency-dependent attenuation of the ultrasound waves must therefore be corrected. The main difficulty lies in the entanglement of attenuation and local random scattering that are convolved in the raw ultrasound data. Your work in this work package will therefore be instrumental to the success of the project: you will use the newest developments in deep learning (e.g., physics-informed AI and multiplicative filter networks) to separate the contributions of attenuation and scattering based on the distinct effect they have on the frequency content of the signal. Once established, these developments will allow for recovering the signals actually emitted by the microbubbles and effectively enable the practical application of the results from works packages 1 and 2.

Embedding

You will be embedded in the Physics of Fluids group (https://pof.tnw.utwente.nl/) of the University of Twente (https://www.utwente.nl/en/), and part of the TechMed Center(https://www.utwente.nl/en/techmed/). This will give you access to state-of-the-art facilities and scientific knowledge. Beyond your direct collaborators of the project, you will also interact with direct colleagues in the group on a scientific level, with the technical staff that will support you in designing efficient experimental setups (for example), and with the applied mathematics group for additional support in computer science and deep learning. You will therefore have all the guidance you may require in your local environment, as well as the freedom to apply your own ideas and intuitions.

Profile

Our offer

Information and application

Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. Please apply by email to g.p.r.lajoinie@utwente.nl. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Guillaume Lajoinie ( g.p.r.lajoinie@utwente.nl )