Researcher in Biomechanics, Sport Science and ergonomics

ST-15 Researcher in Biomechanics, Sport Science and ergonomics

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

As part of Tyndall’s Science Foundation Ireland Research activities (VISTAMILK, CONNECT, CONFIRM, INSIGHT) and having secured a number of industrial research contracts in the research domain of Human motion Analytics in the application domains of sports science, health and Industrial Applications for worker safety and ergonomics, the Wireless Sensor Network Group (WSN) at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork is currently recruiting for a Postdoctoral  Researcher Biomechanics and human motion analytics

At the Tyndall National Institute, at University College, Cork the Human Centric Systems research cluster is carrying out world class research in the development of wireless sensor systems for use in the body, on the body and around the body. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and clinical partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas.

The WSN Group, Tyndall National Institute - University College Cork, invites applications for appointments as Postdoctoral Researcher in Biomechanics and motion analytics. The applied research program will focus on leading the applied and industrial research activity in solving the technical challenges associated with human motion analytics – primarily in the areas of sports science and worker safety in this exciting and rapidly expanding R&D field.

Reporting to the Biomechanics Team Leader, the WSN Head of Group or their nominee, this is an exciting opportunity to help define and implement a biomechanical/human motion capture research program in this fast-moving, industrially relevant area of wearable sensing systems for sports, life and industry.

The successful candidate will lead an applied research agenda for a team of multi-disciplinary researchers with expertise in data analytics and motion capture. The WSN Group is comprised of engineers, researchers and postgraduate students with various levels of experience and qualifications.

Specific activities for this position will include applied motion analytics, project management, research proposal writing, student supervision, travel to international conferences/workshops/industry meetings, proposal project meetings and dissemination of the group’s activities in high impact journal and conference publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Team Leader of the Biomechanics Team and Group Head and project managers as required, the candidate will be responsible for defining leading and implementing the day to day applied research and technical project management of research projects related to biomechanics for wireless sensing systems to meet project requirements and design specifications
• The successful candidate will have expertise in the specification, design, simulation and characterization human motion in multiple application domains
• Ensure the timely delivery of relevant technical project deliverables to Tyndall’s Research Partners
• Develop and exploit Intellectual property developed in the context of human motion analytics
• Enhance Tyndall’s position internationally as a world leader in wireless sensing systems
• Work with Tyndall’s academic and industry partners (existing and planned) to identify their wireless system needs (technologies and applications)
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Be part of the supervisory team for multiple Postgraduate students
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria 

• Minimum requirement of a PhD in Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering or relevant experience in the area of Biomechanics/human motion analytics, with typically 1-2 years Post-Doc/industrial research experience required.
• A specific track record in Biomechanics and human motion analytics is a requirement along with demonstrated experience in research strategy definition, research proposal development and a significant publication track record and strategic research planning.
• Key skills required include Matlab/Python for data analytics, experience with optoelectronic and/or inertial-based motion capture systems, experience with multi modal data acquisition systems (inertial measurement units, EMG, etc.)
• A publication portfolio associated with research outputs in the area of biomechanical analysis of human motion and associated data analytics design in high impact relevant conferences and journals
• A proven track record in securing funding for research
• Proven Excellent Project Management skills are a key requirement including, research proposal writing, work package and deliverable definition, project management, scheduling capability, report writing, documentation and communication skills for interaction with internal and external partners are essential.
• The successful candidate will be highly analytical and motivated with good interpersonal and organizational skills and be self-managed and achievement oriented
• The ideal candidate will have the equivalent of typically 3 years’ experience in Biomechanics
• The candidate will need to have demonstrated a capability for independent thinking, research project development, implementation and management as well as experience in working as part of a research team of other researchers including student supervision
• A good publication track record is a key requirement.

This is an initial 24 month contract with scope for extension subject to performance and funding secured.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers €39,130- 46,442 pa.  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Salvatore Tedesco at Salvatore.tedesco@tyndall.ie

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Click here to download and complete the application form and indicate Job Reference ST-15.

Step 2 - Return the completed application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Handwritten forms will not be accepted.  No late applications will be accepted.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer