RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER 1

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The Sanders Lab at the University of Washington has an opening for a Research Scientist/Engineer 1. The position is engaged in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. A prosthesis replaces a limb that has been amputated. An orthosis supports a limb that does not function well. Our lab designs innovative technologies to enhance prosthetic and orthotics systems, typically through the development of a clinically-relevant, innovative sensing system to manage a key clinical variable during patient use. We are continually testing our technologies on prosthesis and orthosis users in the lab. The purpose of this position is to make prostheses and orthoses for people who participate as test subjects in the prosthetics and orthotics science and technology lab in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. The program involves a number of projects and researchers as well as the public, i.e., human subject volunteers with limb loss. The candidate will exercise independent skill and judgment to make test prostheses for the research.

This position relies on good hand skills and the capability to work well with a team of practitioners and other engineers. Strong organization skill and the ability to communicate effectively with the rest of the team are important. The candidate will be expected to document work clearly towards the preparation of manuscripts and funding agency progress reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Prosthetic socket fabrication (45%):
• Operate a high-performance scanner and carver to record the shape of existing prosthetic sockets and make positive molds
• Make resin-carbon fiber sockets with sensors and panels embedded within them
• Calibrate sensors installed within the prosthesis
• Make elastomeric prosthetic liners with embedded ferrous polymer target material
• Use creativity to solve fabrication challenges as they arise

Orthosis fabrication (45%):
• Make dynamic ankle-foot orthoses with sensors embedded within the footplate and cuff
• Make carbon fiber struts with varying dynamic properties
• Apply strain gages to componentry to measure forces and moments in the orthosis
• Help design a novel direct skeletal attachment orthosis

Management and documentation (10%):
• Record innovative fabrication techniques for reporting and patent application
• Manage supplies and ordering related to prosthesis and orthosis fabrication efforts

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• 2 years of college level course work in engineering or related technical field
• Minimum one years of experience working in a research or industry environment

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Excellent hands and dexterity, good at making things
• Creative with strong mechanical aptitude
• Familiar with Microsoft Office
• Willingness to learn how to make prosthetic limbs and ankle-foot orthoses
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills and implement new processes in response to changes
• Ability to independently prioritize and organize work to meet deadlines

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
• Two years’ experience working in a research or industry environment
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• Proficient in MATLAB

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.