RESEARCH SCIENTIST/ ENGINEER 3 - MULTIPLE OPENINGS

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

The Department of Bioengineering has multiple outstanding opportunities for Research Scientists/ Engineer 3.

The Research Scientist/Engineer 3 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 an clinically-relevant, innovative sensing modality and its implementation in a closed-loop control system to manage that variable during patient use. We are continually testing our technologies on prosthesis and orthosis users in the lab.

The purpose of the Research Scientist/Engineer 3 position is to conduct bioengineering design and analysis in the prosthetic science and technology program. The candidate will exercise independent engineering skill and judgment to advance development of bioengineering aspects of innovative technologies in prosthetics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lab management and supervision:
• Supervise staff to execute weekly project assignments, reports, and proposed next step in their research efforts.
• Lead purchasing for lab and keep monthly records of purchases.
• Use MatLab to write scripts to process session data.
• Conduct engineering analysis of collected data to facilitate interpretation and presentation for publication.

Direct skeletal attachment:
• Bring up a programmable dynamic mechanical simulation system to evaluate the biomechanics of direct skeletal attachment for people with lower-limb loss.
• Create novel designs to reduce bending delivered to the bone/implant interface, and evaluate the designs in the mechanical simulation system.
• Write reports of progress and suggested next steps.

Portable monitor for prosthetic fit assessment:
• Supervise electrical and mechanical engineers to revise a current portable data collection unit so that it is lighter, thinner, less obtrusive, more power efficient and allows for USB data downloading.
• Integrate the system into regular clinical data collection.
• Supervise the development of data processing scripts to facilitate interpretation and analysis.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Master's Degree in engineering or related scientific/engineering discipline OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE
• Two years of research experience in the field of prosthetic and orthotic science OR A RELATED FIELD

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data effectively to address an intended question.
• Proficient in computer analysis software and relevant signal processing strategies (i.e. pattern recognition algorithms; signal processing algorithms).
• Proficient in Matlab.
• Proficient in Graphical User Interface Software programming.
• Ability to independently prioritize and organize work to meet deadlines; ability to delegate tasks and seek help.
• Ability to effectively supervise others.
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems and to implement new processes in response to changes

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

DESIRED:
• Minimum of five years’ research experience in the field of prosthetic and orthotic science.
• Demonstrated ability conducting complex biomechanical analyses.
• Capability to write manuscript-quality description of analysis methods and results.

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.