Position Summary
The Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a translational cardiovascular device development program focused on a novel coronary sinus–based device for treatment of mitral valve disease. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment spanning veterinary cardiology, biomedical engineering, imaging, and preclinical research. Responsibilities will include device development and testing, support of benchtop and ex vivo studies, coordination of preclinical animal research activities, data analysis, manuscript and grant preparation, and collaboration with faculty, trainees, and external partners. This position is intended for an individual interested in translational research, cardiovascular innovation, and comparative medical device development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Research design, study execution, and data collection – 40%
Lead and support experimental studies related to coronary sinus device development, including benchtop, ex vivo, and preclinical testing; assist with protocol development, study planning, data acquisition, and documentation.
• Device development and testing – 20%
Contribute to iterative device refinement, prototype evaluation, procedural workflow development, and assessment of device performance in collaboration with engineering and clinical teams.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting – 15%
Analyze experimental and imaging data; prepare figures, summaries, presentations, and reports; contribute to interpretation of study findings.
• Manuscript, grant, and regulatory document preparation – 15%
Assist with preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, animal use protocols, study reports, and other research-related documents.
• Collaboration, training, and laboratory coordination – 10%
Work closely with faculty, students, residents, and collaborators across disciplines; assist with research coordination, training of team members, and maintenance of organized research records and workflows.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
Successful completion of PhD requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Experience working with nitinol.
Required Application Materials
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Contact for 3 references
Special Instructions
If interested in learning about the position: contact: Dr. Tamilselvam Gunasekaran (tamilsel@msu.edu)
Review of Applications Begins On
05/01/2026
Summary of Health Risks
Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue.
Website
https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/small-animal
Department Statement
We believe veterinarians make the world a better place. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (SCS) is committed to educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and bringing our skills and knowledge together to provide the best clinical services available.
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers graduate programs through the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program, a residency program, a DVM degree, a veterinary nursing program, and specialty continuing education for practicing veterinarians.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
