Lab Manager / Research Assistant

Laboratory Manager/Research Assistant position in the Indiana University Biomechanics Laboratory— Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington

Location: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Position Type: Full-Time, 1-year (renewable options available)

Application Deadline: 25 April 2025 for best consideration.

The Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University (IU) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Laboratory Manager/Research Assistant to support and oversee operations in the IU Biomechanics Lab, directed by Dr. Allison Gruber. This is a grant-funded position for a minimum of one year (12-months) and renewable for a minimum of two additional years. Additional years of employment will be contingent on additional funding awarded to the laboratory. The position includes benefits and compensation congruent with market-based ranges.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, but applications received by 25 April 2025 will be given full consideration. The search will remain open until suitable candidate is found. We are seeking candidates who can join our team immediately. Ideal candidates will be available to start work in May 2025 and possess the necessary qualifications and experience to excel in this role.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in the management and coordination of a federally funded gait study focused on wearable technology and the effects of ankle braces on gait and balance. This position involves a combination of administrative duties, research support, and technical expertise to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the lab and successful execution of research projects. Contributions to scholarly works (e.g., journal articles, conference abstracts) will be available and encouraged, but not required.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Recruitment & Enrollment: Lead the recruitment and enrollment process for research study participants, ensuring adherence to study protocols and timelines.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Collect, process, and manage motion capture, force plate, and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) data. Support data quality assurance and maintain accurate records of all findings.
• IRB Applications & Management: Assist in writing and submitting Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications for human subject research studies. Manage IRB protocols, amendments, and continuing review submissions.
• Lab Equipment & Computers: Oversee the maintenance and management of lab equipment, including motion capture systems, force plates, inertial measurement units, and computers. Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure the lab remains fully operational.
• Logistics Management: Coordinate and manage logistics related to the federally funded gait study, including scheduling, budgeting, and tracking study milestones.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, researchers, and graduate students to facilitate the day-to-day operations of the lab. Assist in developing protocols and refining data collection methods.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biomechanics, kinesiology, engineering, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree recipients with extensive experience in a biomechanics gait lab will be considered).
• Previous experience in a research setting, particularly with motion capture, force plate, and/or IMU technologies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with gait analysis collected by three-dimensional motion capture and computer vision methods, and other related research methods.
• Familiarity with grant-funded research environments.
• Knowledge of data management and processing workflows.
• Technical proficiency with lab equipment, data collection systems, and software (e.g., Visual3D, MATLAB, Python, Office 365).

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A letter of application detailing your interest in the position, relevant experience, and fit for the position.
2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for at least three professional references.

Interested candidates should submit applications including the materials listed above to the job posting page located here by the Application Deadline listed above. Questions regarding the position or additional information may be directed to Dr. Allison Gruber at ahgruber@iu.edu.

About us: The IU Biomechanics lab specializes in lower extremity gait biomechanics, with a focus on running biomechanics, running-related injury, aging, wearable technology, and factors influencing gait. The lab is equipped with two motion capture systems; one surrounds force plates imbedded in a level-ground runway and the other surrounds a split-belt instrumented treadmill. Additional equipment housed within the IU Biomechanics lab includes high-resolution accelerometers, an in-shoe pressure system, force sensing insoles, a metabolic cart, research-grade physical activity monitors, inertial measurement units, electromyography, dynamometer, and commercial wearable devices.

Located on the flagship campus of the Indiana University System, IU School of Public Health‐Bloomington has over 200 faculty in five departments. Indiana University is classified as an R1-Highest Research Activity university, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and boasts numerous resources. IU School of Public Health‐Bloomington combines aspects of a traditional university campus with a strong teaching focus and the research infrastructure of a research-intensive institution. Indiana University is a member of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (https://indianactsi.org/).

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.