Research Assistant | Biomotion Lab | Dept. of BME at SPRI | Vail, Colorado, USA

[Travis Turnbull]

JOB TITLE
Research Assistant | Biomotion Lab | Dept. of BME at SPRI | Vail, Colorado, USA

COMPANY
Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Steadman Philippon Research Institute
Vail, Colorado, USA

https://www.sprivail.org/departments/biomed-engineering

JOB SUMMARY
The Biomotion Research Assistant provides technical, scientific, and general operational support to Biomedical Engineering research projects. The Research Assistant will support many aspects of the Biomotion Lab’s research activities through various duties including: research project planning and design, participant recruitment and scheduling, data acquisition, data processing/analysis, manuscript drafting and submission, and preparation of abstracts/posters/presentations. Specific activities vary by assignment.

CLASSIFICATION
This is a temporary (1 year), full-time, non-exempt position with benefits. The opportunity and option may be provided to extend the term an additional year, after the first year of employment.

JOB START DATE
May 2020

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct research under the primary direction of the Director of Biomedical Engineering and secondary direction of departmental staff and investigators.
• Collaborate with BME staff and investigators to plan and design sound research methodologies and experiments.
• Assist in data collection using varied instrumentation including optical motion capture, force plates, electromyography, dynamic stereo X-ray, inertial measurement units, and insole pressure sensors.
• Assist with data analysis and image processing using various software; use high attention to detail and organization to ensure integrity and quality of collected data.
• Apply basic statistical knowledge; understand, interpret, and describe complex data by preparing graphs and tables.
• Participate in the preparation, review, and submission of manuscripts and abstracts for publication.
• Follow policies and procedures established in the SPRI Employee Handbook; adhere to SPRI safety policies.
• Maintain a personal commitment to the Steadman Philippon Research Institute mission and values

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Technical

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering (biomedical, mechanical), biomechanics, kinesiology, or scientific discipline.
• Research experience and practical knowledge of research principles is required whether through previous internship, work experience, or coursework.
• Experience in a motion capture laboratory, with commonly used biomechanical tools and software is preferred (i.e., Qualisys/Vicon, Visual 3D, EMG, IMU, MATLAB, medical image processing/segmentation).
• Aptitude for performing repetitive tasks with a high level of accuracy is required.
• Excellent critical thinking skills are required.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the scientific method is required.
• Knowledge of orthopaedic terminology and human anatomy is preferred.

Administrative

• Must be adaptable to unexpected changes and possess strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing skills.
• Self-starter with willingness to make decisions independently and solve problems creatively within job scope.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple projects simultaneously under occasionally stressful conditions, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

General

• Translate the organization's vision and values into day-to-day activities, behaviors, and decisions.
• Able to interact professionally and respectfully with other staff and research participants, upholding participant privacy and ethics in accordance with IRB and HIPAA regulations.
• Physically able to conduct research in a dynamic outdoor environment (such as a hiking trail or ski slope) is preferred.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, applicants must submit the following to the Biomotion Lab Team (biomotion@sprivail.org): an updated curriculum vitae (3-page max) with a focus on relevant educational background, laboratory and work experience, and technical skills (e.g., computer programming, biomechanics laboratory software). We also require a personal statement (2-page max) detailing how you would contribute to a) the specified job and b) core values of research and education at SPRI. Following our internal selection process, only qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview. Letters of recommendation are neither required nor requested at this time. The application process and all associated communications will remain confidential.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM MST, Friday, February 28, 2020. Late applications will not be accepted nor considered.