Research Scientist in Musculoskeletal Simulation (KTP Associate), SRES

University of Essex; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is offering an exciting opportunity for a graduate to develop innovative resistance training equipment using musculoskeletal modelling. The role involves leading the creation of a digital environment to evaluate performance and collaborating closely with industry partners. Candidates should have a relevant MSc and strong skills in modelling and programming. Competitive benefits and a personal development budget are included.

Benefits

Personal development budget of £4,340

Management training and mentoring

Access to university resources

Qualifications

• MSc (or near completion) in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related discipline.
• Strong expertise in musculoskeletal modelling and ability to integrate device geometries and CAD data.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for automating workflows and building simulation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a digital environment for resistance training equipment.
• Conduct simulation studies using OpenSim and CAD models.
• Collaborate with A&D Sports engineers to support new product development.

Skills

Musculoskeletal modelling (OpenSim)

MATLAB

Python

Project management

Communication skills

Education

MSc in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

OpenSim

CAD software

Job description

Overview

KTP Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.

Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

The Project

The University of Essex in partnership with A&D Sports Ltd offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to revolutionise rehabilitation and resistance training equipment design, by creating a digital environment which uses musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanical principles to measure and prove muscle activation and joint stresses in strength training equipment.

Duties of the Post

The duties of the post will include:

• Lead the development of a digital environment that integrates musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanical principles to evaluate A&D Sports\' resistance training equipment.
• Conduct simulation studies using OpenSim and CAD models, estimating joint forces, muscle activations and movement efficiency across a range of user profiles and equipment configurations.
• Collaborate closely with A&D Sports engineers and designers to embed modelling workflows into the company\'s product development cycle and support the creation of new product lines.
• Develop, document, and deliver decision-support tools that allow design teams to assess biomechanical performance of prototypes in real time.
• Upskill and train A&D Sports staff via workshops, case studies and documentation to ensure knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability of methods.
• Disseminate project outcomes through academic publications, conferences, and internal reports, contributing to both commercial impact and scientific understanding.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

Key Requirements

• MSc (or near completion) in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related discipline (PhD desirable).
• Strong expertise in musculoskeletal modelling (OpenSim) and ability to integrate device geometries and CAD data.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for automating workflows, processing biomechanical data, and building simulation pipelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across academic and industrial teams, with strong project management and communication skills.
• Commitment to knowledge transfer and training, with the ability to translate complex technical outputs into actionable insights for engineers and non-specialist colleagues.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, and ability to meet UK right-to-work requirements.

Benefits

• A personal development budget of £4,340 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

Location

A&D Sports Limited
Golden Works
Lawton Street
Rochdale
Lancashire
OL12 0LQ

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact [e-mail]

*More information: Working at the University