What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

A.1          Introduction:

Are you passionate about advancing biomechanics to enhance lives? Join the Human Biomotion Lab at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston (UTHSC-Houston) for a transformative Research Scientist position. We're dedicated to unraveling the effect of orthopedic surgical treatments on human mobility and function to shape the future of healthcare.

A.2          About Us:

Our lab is at the forefront of investigating the impact of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgical reconstruction on knee biomechanics, soft tissue health, and patient performance using state-of-the-art biplane video x-rays and cutting-edge MR sequences.

Here, you'll immerse yourself in pioneering research, working alongside a collaborative team of clinician-scientists and engineers.

A.3          Role Overview:

As a Research Scientist, you'll drive a groundbreaking longitudinal study on the effect of ACL reconstruction surgery on knee mechanics and soft-tissue health. You'll leverage our state-of-the-art biomechanical assessment machines, work with our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, clinicians, physicists, and engineers, and receive mentorship from Dr. Payam Zandiyeh.

This is a full-time position, renewable upon satisfactory performance and funding availability.

A.4          Your Impact:

In this role, you'll collect and analyze data, contribute to publications, and spearhead the development of computer codes for advanced lower limb biomechanical analyses. Your work will directly impact patient care and shape future advancements in the field.

A.5          Requirements:

• Doctorate Degree. (Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field preffered)
• Two (2) years of experience in a related research environment and have verifiable publications within the field of the research project. 

A.6          Highly Preferred Qualifications:

·       Extensive experience conducting clinical research.

·       Knowledge and experience in biomechanical analyses using Visual3D or similar.

·       Strong programming skills in MATLAB 

·       Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team

·       Strong written and oral skills

·       Strong publication record of peer-reviewed journal papers and conference abstracts

·       Experience in statistical analysis 

·       Excellent time management and organizational skills

A.7          Other Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience with biplane video x-ray imaging of the knee or other joints

·       Experience with CT/MR image segmentation and quantitative analyses

·       Experience with electromyography and isokinetic data processing

·       Experience with grant writing

A.8          Application Process:

To apply for this exciting position, please submit:

• Your updated CV or resume.
• Cover letter
• Contact information for at least two professional references.
• Please make sure to apply through the application portal.

Join us in our quest to decode the complexities of human movement and make meaningful strides in biomechanics!

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees  
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year) 
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue! 
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service) 
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

• Free financial and legal counseling 
• Free mental health counseling services 
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs 
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc. 
• Resources for child and elder care 
• Plus many more! 

Position Summary:

Plans, supervises, and directs research, investigation, or other technical operations. Provides technical expertise to facilitate the design, implementation, and analysis of procedures, techniques, and results, which enables investigators to conduct research projects.

 

Position Key Accountabilities:

1. Determines feasibility of possible projects to ensure results will have a significant impact. Determines project feasibility in terms of staff, time, and resources.  
2. Plans and performs quantitative and qualitative research procedures in various areas of biology, chemistry, physics, and other biomedical, dental, or related scientific areas. Identifies the problem through contact with other researchers, practicing physicians, or literature searches. Formulates a problem or project to research. Designs procedures to solve the problem.  
3. Conducts experiments using advanced equipment and applying complex techniques. Procedures may include tissue culture, protein purification, enzyme purification, enzyme assays, membrane protein purification, monoclonal antibody analysis, cytogenic analysis, gel electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis, immunofluorescent method, radioimmunoassays, biometry, biofeedback, neurotransmitter analysis, biospectrometry, microtomy, liquid, gas and thin layer chromatography, microspectrophotometry, tissue processing, tissue staining, behavioral testing, anesthetic dosage, neurohistochemistry, animal surgery, immunochemistry, gel electrophoresis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, electron microscopy, and biophysical assays and measurements.
4. Designs experimental procedures, which may involve examining new techniques, that may improve existing analysis and provide additional capabilities.
5. Evaluates the data from the analysis.  
6. Presents results in a written paper for publication, in a presentation at a meeting, or through personal contact with faculty members and other researchers.   
7. Maintains lab equipment, assists in necessary repairs, and promotes a safe laboratory environment. Ensures direct reports follow safety procedures and attends basic safety training courses.
8. Provides work direction and guidance to personnel within department. May lead projects and activities.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.