Research Assistant - Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (M

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Research Assistant - Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF), Cardiff School of Engineering

The Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility has been awarded EPSRC funding for an exciting research project led by Cardiff University, collaborating with Imperial College London. This post presents an opportunity to work with an internationally recognised research teams (UK, US and Belgium), and industry partners on the development of a Multi-platform pipeline for engineering human knee joint function (ENGIN KNEE).

We will be combining state of the art methods, ranging from advanced computer modelling (in silico), through robot driven testing of implanted knees (in vitro), to 3-dimensional X-ray imaging of moving patients (in vivo) with Machine Learning driven analysis, to deliver a knee joint analysis pipeline capable of driving surgical innovation beyond 2030.

The work program, based at Cardiff University, and in collaboration with Katholik University Leuven, Belgium and University of Florida, USA, will develop and validate test protocols and musculoskeletal models in the MSKBRF Dynamic X-ray imaging and Motion Analysis Laboratories. Employing state-of-the-art techniques alongside novel concepts, robust institutional and industry collaboration and continuous engagement with clinicians and patients, the project will enable the development of new, realistic, practical musculoskeletal models to understand knee loading and stability in patients having total knee replacement surgery.

In your role, you will support and conduct research involving the development and validation of data collection and processing protocols to generate subject specific human dynamic, knee movement and loading models. You will be supporting the data collection in our bespoke, in vivo, dynamic, dual plane X-ray imaging facility, where video X-ray is synchronised with motion capture (marker based and markerless).  Data from patients and healthy volunteers will be generated and processed in collaboration orthopaedic surgeon project partners based at the Cardiff and Vale Orthopaedic Centre.  The resulting outputs and new high-fidelity models with provide inputs to the in the bespoke in vitro robot testing facility at Imperial College. This will contribute to the multiplatform pipeline to inform testing and modelling standards and produce open access databases for use across the research community.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) from the 1st February 2024 and is fixed term until 31st January 2027.
Salary:  £32,332 - £34,980 per annum (Grade 5), with expectations that we will appoint at the bottom of Grade 5 point 23, £32,332 per annum

Job ref: 17985BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Professor Cathy Holt, Dr David Williams, and Ms Jenny Williams [email protected] , [email protected] , and [email protected]

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact Karen Baldwin [email protected]

Date advert posted: Thursday, 11 January 2024

Closing date: Thursday, 1 February 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities. 

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

• To undertake research in the area of motion analysis and imaging in the laboratories housed in the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility, through planning, preparing, setting up, conducting, recording, and processing the outcome of experiments and desktop research.
• Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
• To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
• To contribute to and support research funding bids as required
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
• To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas and funding applications as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.     A degree (2.1 or above) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    Knowledge of research methods and techniques within the specialist field of musculoskeletal biomechanics, in particular, focussed on motion capture and analysis, imaging, image segmentation and registration.
3.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
4.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working
5.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
6.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other
7.   Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking

Desirable Criteria

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) or relevant professional qualification(s) in in one or more of the areas of Engineering, Medical Engineering, Biomechanics, Musculoskeletal Modelling, Movement Science
2.   Evidence of collaborations with industry and/or the NHS and/or working with research participants or members of the public
3.   Proven ability to work without close supervision
4.   Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 17985BR 

Job Category

Academic - Research