Project Opportunities

Research Associate

Project: Advanced System for Implant Stability Testing

Time commitment: Full-time

Start date: May, 2022 (negotiable)

Application Deadline: Will remain open until filled

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position Description:

This work focuses on development of a clinical device known as the Advanced System for Implant Stability Testing (ASIST) for non-invasive evaluation of the bone-implant interface in lower limb osseointegrated implants. The ASIST isolates the interface properties by measuring the acceleration upon impact with the implant system, in combination with an analytical model that is based on vibration theory. We aim to apply this technique in the clinic to track the stability of the bone-implant interface over the time, thereby providing a method to detect early loosening of the implant.

We are seeking a research associate to develop the next generation ASIST unit, with a particular focus on lower limb implants. The successful candidate will work in an inter-disciplinary team including electrical and mechanical engineers, graduate students, and clinicians.

Duties:

Working under the supervision of the CoPI (Westover) with additional reporting responsibilities to the grant PI (Hebert), the Research Associate will work within a team to manage and enact the requirements and engineering deliverables of this project. Activities include:

  • Gathering design requirements, reviewing work done to date and end deliverable expectations
  • Developing and finalizing design criteria for the medical device
  • Integrating multiple components into a prototype for testing
  • Benchtop testing prototypes and iterating design features in response to feedback from the team.
  • Leading and participating in bi-weekly update and weekly status report meetings, following and adjusting the SOW and project timelines as required
  • Taking the initiative to act upon feedback received from the team and resolve any issues identified
  • Providing leadership in the development aspects of the project and contributing to and fostering a dynamic and cooperative team approach is essential to the success of the project
  • Assisting and working with graduate students on the project as directed by the project leads
  • Working under tight timelines with concrete deliverables, including thorough documentation according to engineering standards.
  • Additional engineering and lab related duties as required by the PI and co-PI
  • This work is funded by a Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program grant; therefore the Research Associate must ensure that prototypes and design features are meeting the criteria, objectives and timeline of the project as identified by the CoPI and PI

Required Education and Experience:

  • Masters degree is required, preferably in Mechatronics Engineering; (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering with mechatronics focus or MEng may be considered).
  • Equivalent Education and experience may be considered.
  • Experience in at least 2 of the following areas especially when applied to medical devices is required:
    • Mechanical design – solid modeling (e.g. Solidworks or similar) and prototyping of parts using 3D printing and traditional manufacturing
    • Electrical design – prototyping of circuits for sensor acquisition, signal processing, and control of electromagnetic based actuators
    • Software design – proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g. Matlab/python/C#/C++ or similar)
  • Experience gathering requirements, developing test methods to validate prototypes, and preparing related documentation.
  • Ability to pick up new languages quickly for software development on computers and microcontrollers

Knowledge of the following areas is an asset:

  1. Vibrations and dynamics
  2. PCB design (EagleCAD, Altium, or similar) and fabrication
  3. Wireless communication design

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication is required
  • Experience with documentation standards is required
  • Ability to work within a diverse, dynamic team is essential

If interested, please submit a CV and Cover Letter through University of Alberta careers page:

https://www.careers.ualberta.ca/Competition/A106747670/

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $58,210 – $80,050 CAD and a market supplement up to $5000 may be provided. This position has an approximate appointment of three years with annual renewal based on satisfactory performance and available funding.

To assist the University in complying with mandatory reporting requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (R203(3) (e)), please include the first digit of your Canadian Social Insurance Number in your application. If you do not have a Canadian Social Insurance Number, please indicate this in your application.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.