Engineering Research Assistant

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
This position will be responsible for a number of duties to assist in the overall functioning of an engineering research laboratory and several research projects This position will involve a variety of roles including, but not limited to, assisting in wearable sensing and biomechanics studies at the UBC SimPL lab through designing studies, ethics applications, data collection, analysis, and interpretation and manuscript writing. It will also involve the training, mentorship and management of undergraduate students who are a part of the research team. The role may also involve the organization, planning and teaching of wearable sensor-related workshops.

Organizational Status
Reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Lyndia Wu; works in collaboration with other members of the research group, mainly graduate and undergraduate students. Will also oversee the work of undergraduate researchers. The incumbent may liaise with other staff in the Mechanical Engineering Department and other research-related UBC offices.

Work Performed

• Applying extensive knowledge of wearable sensors to assist in experimental planning and equipment preparation.
• Aid in the execution and management of large-scale human participant-based research studies.
• Lead in the recruitment, training and mentorship of undergraduate research assistants.
• Work with trainees and other laboratory staff in the data collection and analysis procedures, troubleshoot these procedures, and introduce new protocols to improve these procedures, assist with training on certain protocols.
• Using provided research proposals to draft research ethics protocols and ethics applications.
• Assisting in ethics application and revisions.
• Applying complex data processing and analysis techniques of, but not limited to, inertial measurement unit, optical, and electroencephalography sensor data.
• Presenting complex data to other lab members and the Principal Investigator.
• Assist in manuscript writing and revisions.
• Assist in the organization, planning and teaching of a wearable sensor workshop in cooperation with a collaborative research group.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance duties, including the general organization and upkeep of the laboratory, and ensure safety and ethical research standards are maintained and followed.
• Assist in the overall care, maintenance and organization of lab supplies and equipment including: unpacking lab supplies and proper storage of supplies; ensuring laboratory cleanliness and supplies are maintained; managing shipping and receiving of supplies and samples as needed.
• Maintain records of work performed and report to the Principal Investigator.
• Contributes to a respectful, inclusive working environment.
• Performs other responsibilities, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent needs to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Many of the procedures will require following protocols already in place; however, there will be the occasion for protocol development and there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and to provide input into the direction of research projects.

Errors in judgment may result in insufficient progress of research projects, thereby adversely affecting funding for studies. Inappropriate handling of interactions and communications can create embarrassment for the Lab and Division in dealings with faculty, students, the University, affiliated hospitals, patients, business affiliates, and the public.

Supervision Received
The Principal Investigator, Dr. Lyndia Wu provides overall supervision of this role, however, the incumbent may take direction and collaborate with senior members of the laboratory. This position mainly works independently, exercising discretionary judgment and tact. The incumbent is expected to work under limited supervision and exercise judgment and initiative in duties and responsibilities.

Supervision Given
May involve the training, mentorship and management of undergraduate students who are a part of the research team. This supervision will focus on data collection and analysis tasks.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in managing large-scale human-based research studies.
• Experience in the training and management of junior research assistants.
• Experience in recruiting and interacting with research participants.
• Experience in wearable biomechanics sensor research.
• Extensive biomechanics knowledge with a fundamental understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
• Experience in modifying, performing and troubleshooting complex wearable sensor data processing and analysis techniques using computer-based techniques.
• Proficiency in MATLAB.
• Interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work in a team environment and independently.
• Ability to contribute to a respectful, cooperative and supportive work environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and additional hours occasionally on weekends, evenings and early mornings, as required.