Graduate Research Opportunity – MASc Position
Development and Preclinical Validation of Fibre Optic Force and Torque Sensors for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Interventions
Institution: Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Department: Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering
Research Laboratory: Robotics, Mechatronics and Automation Laboratory (RMAL)
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi
Anticipated Start Date: May 2027 (Summer Semester)
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Position Description
The Robotics, Mechatronics and Automation Laboratory (RMAL) at Toronto Metropolitan University is seeking a highly motivated graduate student to pursue a research-based Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree focused on the development and preclinical validation of advanced sensing technologies for minimally invasive cardiac interventions.
The research project involves miniature fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors designed to measure multi-axis forces and torques during catheter-based cardiac procedures. These sensors have the potential to provide quantitative information about instrument–tissue interactions, supporting improved procedural feedback and the development of next-generation medical devices.
The successful candidate will contribute to sensor prototyping, mechanical characterization, experimental validation, and preclinical evaluation through both ex vivo and in vivo animal studies. The project integrates mechanical engineering, biomedical instrumentation, fibre-optic sensing, and translational medical device research.
The student will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher, other members of RMAL, and clinical collaborators while developing an independent graduate research thesis.
Research Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the following research activities:
- Sensor Prototyping and Integration: Support the fabrication, assembly, refinement, and integration of miniature FBG-based force and torque sensors into catheter-based instruments.
- Experimental Characterization: Design and conduct bench-top experiments to evaluate sensor sensitivity, accuracy, repeatability, linearity, temperature effects, and cross-axis interference.
- Sensor Calibration and Validation: Develop and implement calibration procedures under controlled and combined mechanical loading conditions.
- Data Acquisition and Analysis: Develop computational methods to process fibre-optic measurements, characterize sensor performance, and interpret experimental results.
- Ex Vivo Studies: Participate in the development and execution of experimental protocols using excised biological tissues or organs to assess sensor performance under physiologically relevant mechanical conditions.
- In Vivo Preclinical Studies: Contribute to the planning, preparation, and execution of animal studies evaluating sensor performance during catheter-based cardiac procedures, under approved protocols and the supervision of appropriately trained personnel.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with engineering researchers, clinical collaborators, and veterinary personnel to support experimental planning, device integration, and interpretation of research findings.
- Research Dissemination: Prepare technical reports, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, present findings at academic conferences, and complete an MASc thesis.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, completed before enrolment.
- Strong foundation in engineering mechanics, instrumentation, experimental methods, or related technical areas.
- Experience with programming or computational data analysis tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Demonstrated interest in biomedical instrumentation, medical devices, and translational research.
- Willingness to participate in ex vivo and in vivo preclinical research following applicable ethics approvals, training, and institutional requirements.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the relevant graduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:
- Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors or fibre-optic instrumentation.
- Force and torque sensing, strain measurement, and sensor calibration.
- Experimental mechanics, mechanical testing, and data acquisition.
- MATLAB, Python, or other scientific computing tools.
- SOLIDWORKS, COMSOL Multiphysics, or similar engineering software.
- Rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and precision assembly.
- Biomedical instrumentation, catheter-based technologies, or medical device development.
- Signal processing and multi-axis sensor modelling.
- Ex vivo tissue testing, preclinical animal research, or physiological instrumentation.
Research Environment and Opportunities
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment and gain hands-on experience in biomedical sensor development, experimental mechanics, and preclinical research.
The position provides opportunities to:
- Develop expertise in miniature multi-axis force and torque sensing.
- Gain experience in sensor fabrication, calibration, and experimental validation.
- Participate in ex vivo and in vivo preclinical studies, subject to project readiness and institutional approvals.
- Collaborate with engineering researchers, clinicians, and veterinary professionals.
- Contribute to research publications and academic conference presentations.
- Develop an independent MASc thesis within a multidisciplinary biomedical engineering project.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit:
- A résumé/curriculum vitae (CV).
- A brief statement of research interests describing relevant technical experience and motivation for pursuing graduate research.
- Unofficial academic transcripts.
- Contact information for two academic or professional references.
Anticipated Start Date: May 2027
Application Deadline: November 30th, 2026
Application Contact: Dr. Claudia Smith: claudiasmith@torontomu.ca
Please include “MASc Application – Fibre Optic Force and Torque Sensing” in the email subject line.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. Admission is subject to Toronto Metropolitan University's graduate admission requirements. Participation in animal research will require applicable institutional ethics approvals, training, and supervision.
