Postdoctoral Fellow - Orthopedic Oncology Research
- Requisition #: 600764-202603251549
- Department: Orthopedic Oncology Research
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 3/25/2026
A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the department of Orthopedic Oncology Research. The focus of this position is to bridge the gap between patient-specific imaging and operative execution in complex pelvic and sacral tumor resections. The engineer will develop, validate, and implement quantitative mechanical models to optimize implant selection, construct design, and alignment strategies. The goal is to minimize construct failures and improve functional outcomes in patients undergoing complex spinopelvic stabilization.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Quantitative Surgical Planning (VSP): Develop patient-specific, 3D computational models (FEA) using CT/MRI data to simulate complex spinopelvic reconstruction scenarios
• Biomechanical Simulation: Analyze and predict postoperative construct stability, load distribution, and failure risks using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Patient-Specific Implant Optimization: Collaborate with clinicians to design or select 3D-printed, custom implants and patient-specific rods that enhance bone on growth and alignment precision.
• Intraoperative Support and Navigation: Provide preoperative simulations that inform intraoperative navigation systems to improve surgical accuracy in tumor resection and reconstructive procedures.
• Clinical Research and Data Analysis: Perform retrospective reviews of surgical case materials, gathering data on pelvic immobilization and sacroiliac joint fusion to inform future planning, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with surgical oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists to create "biomechanically informed" approaches for high-risk patients
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Education: PhD or master's in biomedical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a focus on orthopedic biomechanics.
• Technical Skills:
o Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for biological structures.
o Experience with medical imaging software for segmentation and modeling.
o Proficiency in CAD design for implant/fixture design.
o Programming skills for data processing and custom simulations.
• Experience: 3+ years in musculoskeletal research, specifically focusing on spine or pelvis biomechanics and/or orthopedic oncology
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition
Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Quantitative Surgical Planning (VSP): Develop patient-specific, 3D computational models (FEA) using CT/MRI data to simulate complex spinopelvic reconstruction scenarios
• Biomechanical Simulation: Analyze and predict postoperative construct stability, load distribution, and failure risks using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Patient-Specific Implant Optimization: Collaborate with clinicians to design or select 3D-printed, custom implants and patient-specific rods that enhance bone on growth and alignment precision.
• Intraoperative Support and Navigation: Provide preoperative simulations that inform intraoperative navigation systems to improve surgical accuracy in tumor resection and reconstructive procedures.
• Clinical Research and Data Analysis: Perform retrospective reviews of surgical case materials, gathering data on pelvic immobilization and sacroiliac joint fusion to inform future planning, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with surgical oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists to create "biomechanically informed" approaches for high-risk patients
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Education: PhD or master's in biomedical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a focus on orthopedic biomechanics.
• Technical Skills:
o Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for biological structures.
o Experience with medical imaging software for segmentation and modeling.
o Proficiency in CAD design for implant/fixture design.
o Programming skills for data processing and custom simulations.
• Experience: 3+ years in musculoskeletal research, specifically focusing on spine or pelvis biomechanics and/or orthopedic oncology
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000. depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition
Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
