Lead Biomechanist - Human Performance Lab

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement annuity

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Biomechanist to head our advanced Biomechanics Laboratory in Upington. You will drive human movement analysis, injury prevention, and performance enhancement through sophisticated biomechanical methods.

Ideal candidate holds a PhD with 6–8 years post-doctoral experience, expert use of motion capture and EMG systems, and strong leadership and publication history. You will mentor staff and collaborate across research teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum 6–8 years post-doctoral biomechanical research experience with strong publication record.
• Proven expertise with advanced motion analysis and biomechanical measurement systems.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis (MATLAB, R, Python) and statistical interpretation.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and movement principles.
• Excellent leadership, project management and team collaboration skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; mentoring experience.
• Ability to secure research funding via grants is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct biomechanical research projects examining human movement, ergonomics and sports performance.
• Operate and maintain advanced biomechanical equipment including motion capture, force plates, EMG and accelerometers.
• Analyze kinematic, kinetic and EMG data to understand movement patterns and joint loading.
• Develop biomechanical models and methodologies for performance assessment and injury risk identification.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on study design, data collection and interpretation.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications and conference presentations.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers and technicians.
• Contribute to development of new biomechanical analysis technologies and applications.
• Ensure ethical compliance, safety, and data integrity in all activities.
• Stay updated on advancements in biomechanics and related fields.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Biomechanics or related field

6–8 years post-doctoral research experience

Tools

Motion capture systems

EMG systems

MATLAB

R

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge human performance research center located in Upington, is seeking a Lead Biomechanist to head their advanced Biomechanics Laboratory. This senior role is responsible for advancing the understanding of human movement, injury prevention, and performance enhancement through sophisticated biomechanical analysis. You will lead research projects, manage state-of-the-art equipment, and collaborate with a team of sports scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of biomechanics, extensive experience with motion analysis systems, and strong leadership capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in human performance within a dedicated research facility in the Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct biomechanical research projects investigating human movement, ergonomics, and sports performance.
• Operate and maintain advanced biomechanical equipment, including motion capture systems (optical, inertial), force plates, EMG systems, and accelerometers.
• Analyze kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data to understand movement patterns, muscle activation, and joint loading.
• Develop and refine biomechanical models and methodologies for assessing performance and identifying injury risk factors.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on research design, data collection, and interpretation.
• Prepare high-quality scientific reports, publications, and presentations for conferences and journals.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers, interns, and technical staff within the laboratory.
• Contribute to the development of new technologies and applications for biomechanical analysis.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, safety protocols, and data integrity in all research activities.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and emerging trends in biomechanics and related fields.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of post-doctoral research experience in biomechanics, with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in the operation and application of advanced motion analysis and biomechanical measurement systems.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental design, data analysis (using software such as MATLAB, R, Python), and statistical interpretation.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the principles of human movement.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to disseminate complex findings effectively.
• Experience in mentoring and supervising research personnel.
• Ability to secure research funding through grant applications is advantageous.
• Commitment to scientific rigor and innovation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance and a retirement annuity. The research center provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, along with opportunities for professional growth, conference participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This role offers the chance to work at the forefront of human performance research and contribute to significant scientific advancements in a stimulating and supportive environment.