Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager-Research Professional 3-Research Lab

Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager-Research Professional 3-Research Lab University of Minnesota - 4.1 Minneapolis, MN Job Details Full-time 6 hours ago Qualifications Fabrication Equipment testing Design of mechanical systems Technical Proficiency Full Job Description All Required Qualifications must be listed on the applicant's resume Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a closely related field, with 4 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 8 years. Experience in experimental biomechanics, mechanical testing, or applied engineering research. Demonstrated ability to design and fabricate custom experimental fixtures or test setups. Experience with mechanical testing systems and instrumentation. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing environments. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while supporting collaborative research efforts. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a closely related field. Experience with multi-axial mechanical testing systems. Exposure to biplane videoradiography, motion capture, or imaging-based biomechanics. Experience with CAD software for fixture and system design. Familiarity with load cells, sensors, and basic electrical instrumentation. Experience contributing to research publications or technical reports. Background in finite element modeling or computational biomechanics (helpful but not required).

Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager Department:

Orthopedic Surgery /

Research Position Type:

Full-time Position Summary The Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day technical and operational activities of an orthopedic biomechanics research laboratory. This role serves as the laboratory's primary engineering resource and works closely with the Laboratory Director, surgeons, researchers, and trainees to support the design and execution of experimental biomechanics studies. The ideal candidate is a versatile engineer with broad experimental experience who is comfortable working across mechanical testing, instrumentation, data analysis, and laboratory operations. This position emphasizes hands-on engineering, applied problem-solving, and collaborative research and education support rather than a narrowly specialized technical focus. Position Characteristics This is a hands-on managerial role with significant technical and engineering responsibilities. The scope of responsibilities may evolve over time based on project needs, expertise, and professional development. The position is intended as a stable, long-term role with opportunities for growth in responsibility and leadership. Key Responsibilities Laboratory Management & Operations (35%) Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable use of biomechanical testing and measurement systems, including operations of the cadaver/anatomy lab. Coordinate laboratory scheduling, equipment use, and workflow to support multiple concurrent research projects. Develop, maintain, and enforce laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to equipment use, experimental workflows, data management, specimen handling, instrument cleaning, waste disposal, and lab sanitation, and ensure consistent training and adherence by all users. Assist with the evaluation, maintenance, and improvement of laboratory equipment and capabilities. Ensure the lab is maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition. Monitor and restock lab supplies (PPE, cleaning materials, instruments, specimen storage materials, etc.). Order and manage inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. Other duties as assigned. Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with OSHA, institutional, and biosafety standards. Maintain safety equipment (e.g., eyewash stations, spill kits, sharps disposal) and ensure required checks are completed. Develop and maintain lab safety protocols and documentation. Train lab users on safety procedures and proper lab conduct. Cadaver and Specimen Management Coordinate receipt, preparation, storage, and respectful handling of cadaveric specimens. Track specimen inventory and ensure proper labeling and documentation. Scheduling & Lab Coordination Manage the lab calendar and scheduling of all educational and research lab activities Coordinate lab sessions with faculty, residents, fellows, and visiting groups Ensure required specimens, instruments, and equipment are prepared prior to each lab Provide day-of logistical support for lab events Communication & Coordination Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty, residents, fellows, and external partners using the lab. Communicate lab policies, expectations, and scheduling procedures. Coordinate with departmental staff, vendors, and institutional offices related to lab operations. Event & Educational Support Assist with planning and execution of educational labs, surgical skills sessions, and training events. Prepare instruments, equipment, and specimens required for instructional sessions. Support visiting faculty or industry-sponsored training events as needed. Documentation & Reporting Maintain records related to lab use, safety compliance, specimen tracking, and supply inventory. Track lab utilization and support reporting needs for departmental leadership. Engineering & Experimental Support (40%) Serve as the primary engineering resource for orthopedic biomechanics research projects. Work with the Laboratory Director and clinical collaborators to plan and execute experimental studies, contributing engineering expertise to study design, feasibility assessment, and protocol development as appropriate to project needs. Design, develop, and fabricate custom mechanical testing fixtures and experimental rigs using in-house fabrication resources and external support when needed. Set up, conduct, and troubleshoot experimental testing using uniaxial and multi-axial mechanical testing systems. Support research projects utilizing advanced biomechanical measurement technologies, including: Biplane videoradiography Optical motion capture systems Load cells and related electrical and sensing instrumentation Data Analysis & Documentation (15%) Process and analyze experimental data using MATLAB, Python, and custom software tools. Prepare internal technical reports, summaries, and documentation describing experimental methods and results. Contribute to abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations as opportunities arise. Training & Collaboration (10%) Provide informal mentorship, technical guidance, and training to students, trainees, and laboratory personnel. Work collaboratively with surgeons, researchers, engineers, and trainees in a multidisciplinary research environment. Support a culture of engineering rigor, safety, and continuous improvement within the laboratory. To learn more about the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, please visit: med.umn.edu/ortho. Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call (612) 624-8647. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the

U:

http://diversity.umn.edu Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.