Description
Job Description:
The Leidos Military and Veterans Health Solutions group currently has an opening for a Biomechanics Research Scientist to work within the Warfighter Performance Department at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to enhance resiliency and advance rehabilitation for our military personnel.
Primary Responsibilities
The Biomechanics Research Scientist will conduct research in support of the Physical and Cognitive Operational Research (PhyCORE) program in the Warfighter Performance Department at the Naval Health Research Center. The Biomechanics Research Scientist will be responsible for researching, developing theories, and devising methods to study life sciences. Duties include reviewing and analyzing data from research studies, developing reports and conclusions based on that data, making recommendations for specific research program areas, and creating research studies to accomplish specific research goals. Project focuses include creating and testing novel rehabilitation programs for wounded warriors, developing statistical models for warfighter load carriage, and creating mobile testing and rehabilitation programs. The position will require the candidate to participate in the full research cycle including proposal writing, literature review and design, collection of human subjects data, statistical analyses and creating reports.
This position will require working independently on larger, moderately complex projects/assignments and assist other technical staff with tasks and assignments.
The position will also include software and hardware engineering and computer support as it relates to collecting data for human subject research projects within the laboratory and field settings. Specific duties include but not limited to:
Conduct research related to warfighter performance, physical and physiological health including prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI), and enhancement of physical performance.
Conduct research related to assessment of novel rehabilitation therapies for wounded warriors with amputation, mild traumatic brain injury, vestibular dysfunction, PTSD, and related comorbidities.
Develop research protocols based on rigorous literature reviews, previous research, and best practices.
Conduct data collection on human subjects in laboratory and field settings using best practices for physiological and laboratory equipment such as the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN), embedded physiological and cognitive testing devices in the CAREN, treadmill, 3D projectors, computer switches and networks, motion bases, and motion capture systems.
Operate and maintain such equipment.
Provide technical support as needed.
Abide by human research protections regulations.
Effectively perform data collection in standard laboratory settings, as well as field-based settings both inside and outdoors, taking into consideration environmental factors to ensure accuracy in collection of data.
Use IMUs and perform basic post-processing such as orientation tracking.
Use electronic prototyping platform (e.g. Arduino) hardware and software systems and train project team members on the procedures for its use.
Ability to load, process, and summarize various data types using MATLAB.
Troubleshoot basic electronics and equipment such as breadboards, BNC connections, triggering systems, computer/printer cables, and connections to other equipment.
Research and review technologies and equipment relevant to research projects within the program (to include use, calibration, storage, setup) and work with peers, customer, management, and vendors to purchase and use required items.
Communicate relevant information regarding use of equipment to team.
Create and implement new efficient software programs for upgrading existing and integrating new devices into the CAREN for human subjects data collection projects.
Integrate and synchronize various data types such as optical motion capture, IMU, EMG, virtual reality, pressure sensors, and other body worn sensors.
Organize, clean, sort, and analyze data using SPSS, R, SAS, or related data analysis programs and interpret meaningful findings in tables, graphs, and written form.
Demonstrate a high level of scientific and technical writing to develop proposals, reports and conclusions based on research findings to include scientific protocols, technical reports, sponsor reports, presentations, abstracts, and publications for scientific, military, and academic audiences.
Lead research protocol development and writing for assigned PhyCORE research projects.
Conduct subject recruitment and enrollment, conduct briefing discussions for inclusion and exclusion criteria, answer scientific and research-related questions pertaining to the informed consent discussion.
Communicate with colleagues and professionals in multiple physiological and medical disciplines to determine project design, changes in methodology, and discuss project outcomes.
Coach and review the work of junior project staff.
Train research staff on best-practice research procedures and laboratory equipment use.
Effectively work to influence team members regarding research processes and/or approaches for research programs aimed to improve the health, safety, and performance of warfighters that operate in unique operational environments.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, exercise physiology, kinesiology, computer science, or a related scientific field from an accredited college or university and two or more years of related experience is required. Master’s degree preferred.
Strong background in motion capture and motion analysis including ability to independently and correctly set up and operate a motion capture camera system and ensure elements such as calibration, focus, brightness are effective for scientific data collection.
Strong background in set up and operation of biomechanics and other research data collection equipment such as force plates and IMUs and how each interact with other pieces of equipment (i.e., how a forceplate interacts with and must be located within a motion capture camera system; hand held load cell; virtual reality headset; etc).
Strong technical writing background with an ability to write research proposals, human use protection protocols, technical reports, journal articles, and conference papers.
Strong programming skills.
Experience with software application design, development and testing.
Offer innovative technical solutions; provide detailed estimations of effort and manage and track multiple simultaneous software efforts.
Must independently program software applications for use in virtual reality research and data collection as clinical and operational military needs dictate.
Experience in programming in at least one of the following languages: C#, C++, Python, or LUA and strong technical skills and demonstrated proficiency in advanced signal analysis using MATLAB, LabView, or similar software.
Strong computer hardware and technical skills.
Experience with electrical engineering, networking, and hardware components. Capable of setting up new devices or troubleshooting hardware.
Solid background in human physiology, biomechanics, and/or kinesiology.
Ability to be a self-starter, act on objectives in an independent manner, demonstrate leadership, work independently in a team, and the ability to plan and prioritize work.
Should possess strong customer service focus.
Ability to interact positively and in a professional manner within a research oriented environment.
Excellent critical thinking with problem-solving skills and an ability to work cooperatively in a team setting.
Flexibility in responding to changing demands, timelines, and priorities.
Ability to travel both within the U.S. and internationally.
Ability to work overnight and on weekends as needed for research projects.
Strong communication skills.
Be able to effectively communicate results of work to a variety of audiences including clinical, military and academic communities.
Experience in technical documentation.
Assist the Principal Investigators in managing local and outlying US Department of Defense collaborative relationships necessary for completion of project-specific milestones.
The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
Ability to travel (both domestically and overseas).
Naval Health West - NHW
Pay Range:
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
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