Research Biomechanist

The Research Biomechanist will be a key member of the newly established Warfighter Systems Integration Lab (WSIL). This position helps develop new methodologies, evaluates new technology, and participates in the new product testing, analysis, development and improvement efforts of the company. Specifically, around the areas of optimizing Warfighter Capability under various physical and cognitive loads that emerge from advanced technology use in realistic combat environments. The Research Biomechanist provides expertise on product and understanding of end user physical/cognitive performance in context-specific scenarios, and contributes to improving product usability, fit and comfort. Specifically, a background and focus on integrating the following advanced technologies is highly desired; Heads Up Displays (HUDs), Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS), Aural and Haptic Communications Systems and the associated challenges of Cognitive Load, Visual/Aural Attention and Localization, impact and trades of Physical Loading on the Warfighter, and a System of Systems approach to ensuring optimized performance in complex environments.

The Research Biomechanicst integrates human factors engineering into pre-product exploration, the product development cycle and incorporates subject matter expert and user feedback into the design process in order to optimize human well-being and overall performance. She/he must have proven ability to analyze data and able to prepare clear and concise written and verbal reports. She/he needs to be a customer oriented self-starter who can work in a dynamic and evolving team environment. He/she must be willing to learn new methodologies/laboratory collection techniques, and approaches to quantify the trade-offs in advanced technology systems, such as Heads-Up displays, Aural (headset) perceptual performance, and tactical/operational priorities.


SPECIFIC ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Director with daily operations of the lab, to include providing direct assistance to lab personnel in the preparation, testing, operation, and maintenance of all laboratory equipment.
• Ensure proper functioning and utilization of research equipment and software used in data collection, reduction, and overall preparation of data for analysis.
• Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology.
• Develop and evaluate products by applying a user and team-centered approach
• Perform user testing and product assessment with both qualitative and quantitative methods at all stages of design and development
• Conduct laboratory experiments using methods from Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Human Factors, Ecological Psychology, and Experimental Psychology
• Incorporate subject matter expert and user feedback into the design process in order to understand the interaction among humans and other system elements.
• Report results, and recommendations to enable interpretation and application for improved product design
• Liaise with industry and military experts.
• Assist with supervision, training, and mentoring of interns and students from partnering institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in Human Factors/Ergonomics, Engineering, Biomechanics, Psychology, Kinesiology, or related fields. Master’s Degree preferred.
• A strong foundation in collecting, analyzing, and applying kinematic, kinetic, and physiological data for engineering applications, and robust scientific computing skills are required.
• 5-10+ years of research experience in a laboratory setting, military experience is a plus.
• Experience leading projects involving product testing and development.
• Experience with personal protective equipment and advanced technology (HUDs, VAS, etc.). Integrated Systems experience and impacts of military technology on physical and cognitive load is a plus.
• Experience with electronic products and applications, UI and UX is a plus. Demonstrated intellectual flexibility, good judgment, analytical problem solving and calculated risk taking.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated success in planning, conducting, analyzing and reporting the results from human performance assessments. Demonstrated success in managing multiple programs with different deadlines at the same time.
• Proficiency in programming and statistical software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Unity, R, SPSS) for data processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Proficiency in fabrication of specialized research instrumentation and computer interfacing preferred.

*This position open to US residents only
*As this is a lab research position, remote work will not be considered
*Applications will be evaluated ongoing until 30 APR 2023.