Postdoctoral Fellow in Biomechanical Evaluation of Wearable Technology

School: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Department/Area: Bioengineering

Position Description

The Harvard Biodesign Lab invites applications for an immediate opening on a research project focused on biomechanical, physiological, and clinical evaluations of a back exosuit that is lightweight and pliable and can assist with hip and back movement by applying appropriately timed joint torques to the wearer. The successful candidate will have clinical trial and human subjects experience, will work as part of a larger team to assist with collecting and analyzing data gathered from human subjects, both in field, clinic and lab studies as part of evaluations of the technology. A large part of the role will focus on supporting a yearlong field study evaluating the technology in clinical and industrial settings. This may involve regular travel to be on site and interface directly with other clinical or industrial partners. Additionally, the role will involve the weekly organization and quality checking of survey data to ensure all documented IRB protocol procedures are followed and data is collected correctly.

Experience working with human subjects and associated research regulations, including the IRB, is an important part of role. For lab-based studies, s/he will have access to state of the art equipment (Qualysis cameras, Bertec force plates in an over-ground walkway, a Bertec instrumented treadmill, Delsys Trigno surface electromyography system, and Cosmed K4b2 metabolic test system). The candidate should have a strong interest in contributing to multidisciplinary teams and will be expected to publish scholarly papers and attend international conferences, as well as take on a mentorship role for undergraduate and graduate students. The appointment would start immediately and be for at least 12 months, depending on candidate availability.

Basic Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Movement Science, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.

Additional Qualifications

A strong background in statistics, as well as previous experience in human subjects studies with wearable technology and working with both healthy and patient populations are highly desired. Additionally, having a PT background and being eligible for physical therapy licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be a plus but not required. Attention to detail and professionalism are highly important for the role. Experience with participant recruitment and retention methods. CITI certified and trained in Good Clinical Practice. REDCap, data collection and data entry experience also preferred.

Special Instructions

Application materials include an updated CV, a cover letter describing research interests and goals, a full list of publications, and up to three relevant scientific papers. Please submit the names and contact information for up to three references.

Contact Information

Mark Peterson

Contact Email: [email protected]

Salary Range

$67,600 - $91,826

Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3