Lead Biomechanics Researcher — Elite Performance

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

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.