U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Healthcare System &
University of Washington, Mechanical Engineering Department
Seattle, WA

Research Laboratory Engineers: Biplane fluoroscopy and robotic gait simulation
The Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB) at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA have openings for two research laboratory engineers. These positions are available immediately and will remain open until suitable candidates have been found. The Center is a mixture of engineers, clinicians, biomechanists, and epidemiologists who develop and conduct research to preserve and enhance the mobility of veterans with lower limb musculoskeletal impairment or limb loss. Successful candidates will each serve as the primary engineer for one of two systems: the biplane fluoroscopy system, a custom dual X-ray device for foot bone motion tracking, or the robotic gait simulator, a custom device for ‘walking’ cadaver feet during biomechanical simulations.
The first position will be responsible for data collection and analysis with the biplane system, including maintenance of all hardware and a detailed understanding of the in-house software. Understanding of the physics of X-ray imaging (including cone-beam CT) and experience in X-ray image analysis will be a plus, but detailed training will be available.
Similarly, the second position will be responsible for data collection and analysis with the robotic gait simulator, including maintenance of all hardware and an in-depth knowledge of the software. Experience with cadaveric specimens and custom fixture development, as well as with simVITRO testing suites, will be a benefit, but detailed training will be available.
Requirements: The successful candidates will have:
  • Experience with the hardware and software used in biomechanics research, ideally with human subject motion analysis or cadaveric testing.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
  • Strong competency with the MATLAB programming language (learning/using existing laboratory algorithms and developing new ones); experience with Python would be desirable.
  • Excellent independence and self-sufficiency (candidate will become the subject matter expert on various facets of the aforementioned equipment).
  • Strong oral and written communication skills as they will be training new users, including updating and generating in-house procedures and manuals.
  • This position requires at minimum BS degree in a relevant engineering discipline and 1+ years of work experience in a related field; MS degree preferred.
The annual salary range for this position is approximately $58,000 – $70,000 depending on qualifications.
Qualified applicants should send a cover letter discussing the above qualifications (also briefly describing how this position supports their overall career trajectory) and curriculum vitae with contact information for 3 references:
William R Ledoux, PhD
Research Career Scientist
Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB)
VA Puget Sound, Seattle WA
wrledoux@uw.edu