Research OFFICER (BIOMECHANICS)

Detailed job DESCRIPTION

Position

  • The position is a two-year full-time contract position.
  • The successful applicant will report directly to the Director of the UCT/MRC Research.
  • Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (ESSM), Professor Timothy Noakes.
  • The successful applicant will be based within the ESSM Unit at the Sports Science Institute of Sport.

Applicant requirements

  • The applicant must have a minimum academic qualification of an MSc in either Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or Biomechanics with relevant research and teaching experience
  • A minimum of two years of research experience in the field of biomechanics with specific emphasis on the engineering-related aspects of data measurement, control, and processing
  • Evidence of contribution to research publications

Job Description

  • Research
  • Research-specific content knowledge in Biomechanics
  • The application of classical mechanics to sports performance and sport medicine
  • Technological development of measurement techniques within the field of sport biomechanics
  • The development of analytical tools incorporating required statistical models
  • Assist with research projects relating to Biomechanics (protocol development, data collection and analysis, publication of results, translation of findings)
  • Utilise engineering skills to optimise research techniques currently used in this field
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Kinematic and kinetic analysis
  • Techniques for the measurement of gait
  • Development of instrumentation within the field of sports science
  • The development of advanced data analysis tools
  • Train students and other staff members to utilise these techniques in relevant research projects
  • Develop research collaborations in this inter-disciplinary field
  • Teaching
  • Teaching-specific content knowledge in Biomechanics
  • Biomechanics of human tissue
  • Sport biomechanics
  • Instrumentation techniques in sport and sports biomechanics
  • Data analysis and signal processing techniques
  • Technology of sport
  • Lecture and conduct tutorials to post-graduate (Honours, Masters and PhD) students in the fields of Biokinetics, Exercise Science and Sports Medicine
  • Co-supervise the research of post-graduate students in the fields of Biokinetics, Exercise Science and Sports Medicine
  • Leadership, management and administration
  • Perform administrative functions related to research projects and assist in the co-ordination of projects (such as co-ordinating research teams, contributing to securing funding for research projects, monitoring operational expenses related to relevant projects, writing progress reports for projects etc.)
  • Run the Biomechanics laboratory
  • Obtain a full understanding of the operation of existing equipment
  • Create a roster to manage the scheduling of equipment use, and equipment loans
  • Research into potential equipment purchases and investigation into the possible refurbishment of old, unused, or redundant equipment
  • Be responsible for the service and upkeep of all equipment in the Biomechanics laboratory
  • Develop potential analytical and clinical biomechanics services to be offered to the public
  • Based on research produced at this laboratory and other world-class biomechanics laboratories, assist with and guide the development of new tests and/or products for the benefit of healthy, injured and diseased populations. For example, services may aid injury diagnosis, rehabilitation, patient monitoring, exercise performance testing and analysis
  • Organise meetings and workshops related to research areas