Research Engineer

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah's Neural Plasticity Rehabilitation and Movement Dynamics Laboratory seeks a Research Assistant to support data collection and analysis. Training will be provided; weekend or university holiday work may be required.

Position involves pursuing a master's in mechanical engineering, utilizing MATLAB, developing LabVIEW-based hardware control, and analyzing data with Python. Strong communication and independent judgment are essential, with safety and confidentiality emphasized.

Qualifications

• Requires master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficiency in MATLAB; Python and C++ beneficial.
• Strong data analysis and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in collecting biomechanics and neurophysiological data; training provided.
• Develop codes to control hardware using LabVIEW and analyze data with MATLAB/Python.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and report progress to the group.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

LabVIEW

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

The research assistant will be trained in collecting and analyzing data in the Neural Plasticity Rehabilitation and Movement Dynamics Laboratory. The research assistant may require working during the weekends or university holidays.

Anticipated Weekly Schedule: Flexible around class schedule

Primary Work Location: HPEB

Desired Start Date: August 1, 2026

Responsibilities

1. Currently pursuing or recently completed a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.


2. Has taken Biomechanics of Human Movement (ME EN 5960/6960-004) course


3. Well-versed in MATLAB


4. Preferable experience in other programming languages such as PYTHON, and C++ is beneficial.


5. Attend a weekly laboratory meeting and report to the group on progress of assigned duties.


6. Assist other laboratory staff in collecting biomechanics and neurophysiological data (Training provided).


7. Develop codes to control hardware using LabView and analyze data using MATLAB/Python.


8. Handle sensitive data in a professional manner that complies with all confidentiality rules and regulations.


9. Communicate clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) with colleagues, other members of the research team, and Principal Investigator.


10. Must be able to work independently while exhibiting a level of judgment that ensures participant safety and adherence to study protocols and procedures.


11. Flexibility in scheduling work hours around course schedule, as rates of recruitment span and fluctuate across the calendar year.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

• Research Assistant, I: Requires little to no related experience.


• Research Assistant, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.


• Research Assistant, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Preferences

U of U students are preferred

Special Instructions Summary

Apply and: Email resume, cover letter, three names of references if interested: [e-mail]

The University of Utah may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

Additional Information

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

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