Postdoctoral Lead, Running Biomechanics

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Michigan Medicine, in partnership with the AMSI initiative, seeks a highly independent Postdoctoral Fellow to join our biomechanics team. The Lead Running Biomechanist will administer lab-based assessments, drive athlete performance studies, and collaborate with engineers, designers, and researchers to translate science into real-world innovations.

The role emphasizes independent problem solving, advanced gait analysis, and contribution to high-impact research publications while supporting

Qualifications

• PhD in a closely related discipline with strong gait biomechanics background.
• Extensive hands-on experience testing and analyzing running gait and a peer‑reviewed gait biomechanics publication record.
• Expertise in musculoskeletal modeling using OpenSim or similar tools.
• Turn-key hardware/instrumentation know‑how for motion capture and force plates.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python or R for custom data processing and modeling.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple timelines and troubleshoot equipment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Motivation to translate research into real-world athletic product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab setup, calibration, integration, and troubleshooting of a high-performance biomechanics lab.
• Collect and analyze in-lab and in-field gait data using marker-based/markerless systems and IMUs.
• Develop and maintain data processing pipelines for large biomechanical datasets.
• Author manuscripts and present findings at conferences; translate data into actionable insights for industries partners and athletes.
• Oversee day-to-day project operations; mentor undergraduate and graduate students working on AMSI projects.

Skills

Running biomechanics

Data analysis

MATLAB

Python

R

Autonomy

Communication

Collaboration

Research translation

Education

PhD in Kinesiology/Biomechanics/ Biomedical Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering

Tools

OpenSim

Motion capture systems

Force plates

Job description

Michigan Medicine, in partnership with the AMSI initiative, seeks a highly independent Postdoctoral Fellow to join our biomechanics team. The Lead Running Biomechanist will administer lab-based assessments, drive athlete performance studies, and collaborate with engineers, designers, and researchers to translate science into real-world innovations.

The role emphasizes independent problem solving, advanced gait analysis, and contribution to high-impact research publications while supporting