Lead Biomechanics Researcher

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Conference funding

Access to cutting-edge labs

Athlete collaboration opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape is seeking a Lead Biomechanics Researcher to drive cutting-edge sports biomechanics research. You will conceptualize and execute complex projects, guide a team of biomechanists, and disseminate findings via high-impact publications and presentations.

The role offers collaboration with elite athletes, state-of-the-art motion capture technology, and opportunities to inform training and injury prevention strategies in a multidisciplinary setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
• 7+ years post-doctoral experience in sports biomechanics with publications and grants.
• Experience leading and managing research teams and projects.
• Expertise in motion analysis: marker-based and markerless capture, inverse dynamics, force analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, SPSS, and R.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic sports biomechanics research programs.
• Supervise and mentor a team of researchers and staff, promoting scientific excellence.
• Design experiments using motion capture systems, force plates, EMG, and related tech.
• Analyze complex biomechanical data using specialized software and statistics.
• Translate findings into practical guidance for coaches and clinicians.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Secure external funding through grants and industry collaborations.
• Manage research budgets, equipment procurement, and lab operations.
• Collaborate with performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and sports medicine.
• Ensure IRB ethics compliance for all activities.

Education

PhD in Biomechanics

Post-doctoral research experience

Team leadership

Grant writing

Tools

MATLAB

R

SPSS

Vicon Nexus

Kinovea

Simi Motion

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent institute at the forefront of sports science innovation, is actively seeking a distinguished Lead Biomechanics Researcher to spearhead their cutting-edge research initiatives in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This senior position requires a visionary leader with a profound expertise in human movement analysis, kinematics, and kinetics, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of athletic performance through rigorous scientific inquiry. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing complex research projects, guiding a team of talented biomechanists, and disseminating findings through high-impact publications and presentations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of sports biomechanics, working with elite athletes and state-of-the-art motion capture technology. The research conducted will directly inform training methodologies and injury prevention strategies, contributing significantly to the advancement of sports performance. We are committed to fostering a collaborative research environment where scientific curiosity and empirical evidence drive progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic research programs in sports biomechanics, focusing on enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risk.
• Supervise and mentor a team of biomechanics researchers, post-doctoral fellows, and technical staff, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.
• Design and implement advanced experimental protocols using motion capture systems, force plates, electromyography, and other relevant technologies.
• Analyze complex biomechanical data using specialized software (e.g., Vicon Nexus, Simi Motion, Kinovea) and statistical packages.
• Interpret research findings and translate them into practical applications for coaches, athletes, and sports medicine professionals.
• Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals and present research at international conferences.
• Secure external funding through grant writing and collaboration with industry partners.
• Manage research budgets, equipment procurement, and laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with other departments within the organization, including performance analysis, strength and conditioning, and sports medicine.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and institutional review board (IRB) protocols for all research activities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Kinesiology, or a closely related field from a reputable institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in sports biomechanics, with a strong track record of publications and successful grant applications.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing research teams and projects.
• Expertise in advanced motion analysis techniques, including marker-based and markerless motion capture, inverse dynamics, and force analysis.
• Proficiency in relevant biomechanics software and statistical analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, SPSS, R).
• Experience with physiological measurement techniques (e.g., EMG, ECG) is a plus.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of experimental design and data interpretation.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Residency or eligibility to work in **Cape Town, Western Cape** is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package including a highly competitive salary, attractive performance incentives, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Professional growth is supported through generous funding for conferences, workshops, and further academic pursuits.
• Researchers have access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for collaboration with world‑class athletes and sports organizations are abundant.
• The work environment in **Cape Town** is stimulating and supportive, promoting work‑life balance.
• This role provides the chance to make a substantial contribution to the field of sports science.