Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager-Research Professional 3-Research Lab

Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager
Department: Orthopedic Surgery / Research
Position Type: Full-time

Position Summary
The Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day technical and operational activities of an orthopedic biomechanics research laboratory. This role serves as the laboratory's primary engineering resource and works closely with the Laboratory Director, surgeons, researchers, and trainees to support the design and execution of experimental biomechanics studies.

The ideal candidate is a versatile engineer with broad experimental experience who is comfortable working across mechanical testing, instrumentation, data analysis, and laboratory operations. This position emphasizes hands-on engineering, applied problem-solving, and collaborative research and education support rather than a narrowly specialized technical focus.

Position Characteristics

• This is a hands-on managerial role with significant technical and engineering responsibilities.
• The scope of responsibilities may evolve over time based on project needs, expertise, and professional development.
• The position is intended as a stable, long-term role with opportunities for growth in responsibility and leadership.

Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Management & Operations (35%)

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable use of biomechanical testing and measurement systems, including operations of the cadaver/anatomy lab.
• Coordinate laboratory scheduling, equipment use, and workflow to support multiple concurrent research projects.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to equipment use, experimental workflows, data management, specimen handling, instrument cleaning, waste disposal, and lab sanitation, and ensure consistent training and adherence by all users.
• Assist with the evaluation, maintenance, and improvement of laboratory equipment and capabilities.
• Ensure the lab is maintained in a safe, clean, and organized condition.
• Monitor and restock lab supplies (PPE, cleaning materials, instruments, specimen storage materials, etc.). Order and manage inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, institutional, and biosafety standards.
• Maintain safety equipment (e.g., eyewash stations, spill kits, sharps disposal) and ensure required checks are completed.
• Develop and maintain lab safety protocols and documentation.
• Train lab users on safety procedures and proper lab conduct.

Cadaver and Specimen Management

• Coordinate receipt, preparation, storage, and respectful handling of cadaveric specimens.
• Track specimen inventory and ensure proper labeling and documentation.

Scheduling & Lab Coordination

• Manage the lab calendar and scheduling of all educational and research lab activities
• Coordinate lab sessions with faculty, residents, fellows, and visiting groups
• Ensure required specimens, instruments, and equipment are prepared prior to each lab
• Provide day-of logistical support for lab events

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty, residents, fellows, and external partners using the lab.
• Communicate lab policies, expectations, and scheduling procedures.
• Coordinate with departmental staff, vendors, and institutional offices related to lab operations.

Event & Educational Support

• Assist with planning and execution of educational labs, surgical skills sessions, and training events.
• Prepare instruments, equipment, and specimens required for instructional sessions.
• Support visiting faculty or industry-sponsored training events as needed.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain records related to lab use, safety compliance, specimen tracking, and supply inventory.

• Track lab utilization and support reporting needs for departmental leadership.

Engineering & Experimental Support (40%)

• Serve as the primary engineering resource for orthopedic biomechanics research projects.
• Work with the Laboratory Director and clinical collaborators to plan and execute experimental studies, contributing engineering expertise to study design, feasibility assessment, and protocol development as appropriate to project needs.
• Design, develop, and fabricate custom mechanical testing fixtures and experimental rigs using in-house fabrication resources and external support when needed.
• Set up, conduct, and troubleshoot experimental testing using uniaxial and multi-axial mechanical testing systems.
• Support research projects utilizing advanced biomechanical measurement technologies, including:
  • Biplane videoradiography
  • Optical motion capture systems
  • Load cells and related electrical and sensing instrumentation

Data Analysis & Documentation (15%)

• Process and analyze experimental data using MATLAB, Python, and custom software tools.
• Prepare internal technical reports, summaries, and documentation describing experimental methods and results.
• Contribute to abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations as opportunities arise.

Training & Collaboration (10%)

• Provide informal mentorship, technical guidance, and training to students, trainees, and laboratory personnel.
• Work collaboratively with surgeons, researchers, engineers, and trainees in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Support a culture of engineering rigor, safety, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.

*All Required Qualifications must be listed on the applicant's resume

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a closely related field, with 4 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 8 years.
• Experience in experimental biomechanics, mechanical testing, or applied engineering research.
• Demonstrated ability to design and fabricate custom experimental fixtures or test setups.
• Experience with mechanical testing systems and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting collaborative research efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a closely related field.
• Experience with multi-axial mechanical testing systems.
• Exposure to biplane videoradiography, motion capture, or imaging-based biomechanics.
• Experience with CAD software for fixture and system design.
• Familiarity with load cells, sensors, and basic electrical instrumentation.
• Experience contributing to research publications or technical reports.
• Background in finite element modeling or computational biomechanics (helpful but not required).

To learn more about the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, please visit: med.umn.edu/ortho.

Pay Range: $31.00- $35.82 an hour ($64,480 -$74,505 annually) depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

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