Senior Research Specialist

Provides senior-level, direct research support for the Biomechanical Testing Core within the Center for Musculoskeletal Research (CMSR). The position is responsible for operation of a specialized biomechanical testing laboratory that supports small and large, complex musculoskeletal research projects and grant commitments. The role contributes to study design, protocol development, mechanical testing, data analysis, reporting, equipment troubleshooting, and training of faculty, staff, trainees, and other core users.

The position works with substantial independence and technical judgment, may guide or supervise technicians and students, and serves as a liaison with investigators, vendors, service representatives, and collaborating laboratories.

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the biomechanical testing laboratory, including user scheduling, specimen intake and tracking, usage logs, internal billing documentation, supply and fixture inventory, and communication with investigators, trainees, and laboratory personnel.
• Operate specialized biomechanical testing systems to assess strength, stiffness, load to failure, viscoelastic behavior, fatigue properties, and related mechanical outcomes in cadaveric, engineered tissue, and other biological specimens. Prepare specimens and fixtures, configure testing methods, execute approved protocols, and ensure accurate capture and storage of raw and processed data.
• Contribute to planning and design of biomechanical studies supporting core services, publications, and grant commitments. Work with investigators to define experimental design, specimen requirements, testing methods, sample tracking, data outputs, timelines, and materials.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures, digital laboratory manuals, testing templates, data‑management practices, and project‑specific safety documentation. Organize testing activities in accordance with approved protocols and communicate user and staff responsibilities.
• Analyze biomechanical testing data using appropriate quantitative, statistical, and graphical methods. Prepare reports, figures, tables, presentations, and data summaries for manuscripts, abstracts, grants, progress reports, core reporting, and investigator consultations.
• Train and orient graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, technicians, undergraduate students, and other core users in biomechanical testing techniques, instrumentation procedures, data‑management expectations, safety practices, and troubleshooting approaches.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and coordinate repair, preventive maintenance, calibration, software updates, service agreements, and vendor support for biomechanical testing instruments, load cells, fixtures, computers, and related equipment. Keep abreast of trends in biomechanics and perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related work experience involving direct assistance to researchers required.

Master's degree preferred

• Direct experience with biomechanical, mechanical, materials, or tissue testing methods, including specimen preparation, protocol execution, data capture, and quantitative analysis. Experience operating, troubleshooting, repairing, coordinating calibration, and maintaining specialized research equipment is required.
• Experience with musculoskeletal tissue mechanics, soft tissue or bone testing, human cadaveric specimens, animal tissues, engineered constructs, and mechanical testing platforms such as Instron, MTS, Bose/TA Instruments, or comparable systems is preferred.

• Ability to work safely and professionally with animal tissue, human cadaveric tissue, biological specimens, and engineered tissue constructs under applicable institutional policies, universal precautions, and approved research protocols. Strong organization, attention to detail, written and oral communication, user support, record keeping, and collaborative problem‑solving skills are required.
• Advanced quantitative and computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, Python, R, LLM coding, or comparable analysis platforms, are preferred.

• No external certification required. Completion of applicable University laboratory safety, biological materials, human tissue, equipment‑specific, and core‑facility training will be required after hire.