Description
The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) in the Faculty of Kinesiology invites applications for a Biomechanics Technician. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Faculty of Kinesiology is one of the leading faculties of its kind in the world. The mission of the Faculty is to deliver excellence in research, education, and community programs related to human movement, sport, recreation, health, and wellness. With over 30 full-time academic faculty members, more than 1100 undergraduate students, 120 graduate students, and numerous adjunct appointees and international visitors, the Faculty supports a diverse range of research programs across multiple disciplines.
This full-time position will primarily operate within the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) and will support the establishment of research operations in the Taylor Family Kinesiology Building (to be constructed in 2025). The HPL is a core research facility in the Faculty, equipped with high tech and custom-made equipment to explore human mobility and longevity to support research across a range of disciplines.
The position reports to the Lab Manager, HPL. The successful candidate must be able to support research in biomechanics, as the role will be heavily involved in the orchestration of data collection sessions and analysis. The successful candidate will also support research across the Faculty, including providing administrative support and operating core facilities and shared lab equipment. This position requires excellent time management skills, the ability to adapt to shifting priorities, and the ability to learn new technologies and techniques as needed. The position also requires some flexible work hours given the complexity of the work, the need to support research programs, and the need to cover emergency alerts on evenings and weekends that may occur due to, for example, equipment failures.
The successful candidate must be able to work independently or with other staff and students, while also managing, operating and troubleshooting the motion capture systems, force plates, instrumented treadmills and other equipment used by the faculty. This role requires strong communication skills as there is a frequent interaction with clients, students, and interdepartmental teams. Use of professional judgment is required to effectively manage complex issues and minimize the potential for errors. It is important that the successful candidate has the initiative for professional development, ensuring their knowledge is current within the field. The successful candidate will also have the directive to suggest improvements to procedures.
This is a full time position for one year, with possibility of extension.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Support the Lab Manager, HPL with equipment purchases, including vendor selection, installation, and end-user training
- Support the development of policies, processes, and standard operating procedures of core equipment
- Work with the Lab Manager, HPL to complete onboarding of new trainees, with a focus on lab safety requirements and OHS compliance
- Provide instruction and technical support to users of core equipment and lab space
- Together with the Lab Manager, HPL, complete annual inspections in core labs and workshops and ensure ongoing compliance with OHS requirements
- Use good judgement to identify and resolve day-to-day technical and operational issues
- General laboratory duties may include equipment organization, maintenance and cleaning, inventory, and quality assurance
- Organize testing sessions with coaches/athletes/participants to complete high-performance sport related testing
- Lead data collection sessions that may consist of the use of the 3D Motion Analysis System, pressure measurement system, mechanical testing machines, exercise physiology equipment, etc.
- Design systems related to athletic equipment and performance
- Test prototypes to assess changes in behavior or performance
- Participate in the interpretation and synthesis of results into pertinent conclusions and recommendations based on the research study and/or client specifications
- Assist in effectively presenting results and conclusions in writing and orally
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor¿s or Master¿s degree in Engineering, Kinesiology or related field
- Experience with biomechanics research is an asset
- High level of effective organizational, time and personal initiative skills, teamwork, accuracy and strong attention to detail
- Strong skills with Microsoft Office; MATLAB and Python skills are an asset
- Knowledge of motion capture and force/pressure measurement systems is an asset
- Knowledge/experience conducting exercise physiology assessments (VO2 max testing, metabolic cart use) is an asset
- Experience writing scientific manuscripts and technical reports is an asset
Application Deadline: May 09, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Salaries Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
