Senior Research Associate (VTTI/CIB)

The Sr. Biomechanics Research Associate will have expertise in all aspects of the subject matter within the functional area of the assignment. Work will be planned and conducted with independent evaluation, utilizing adaptation and modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria as needed. Duties and responsibilities: This position focuses on transportation-related safety issues. A large portion of the duties are devoted to the study of automotive crash, with specific application to impact biomechanics. Execution of crash sled and impact testing is a key component of this work. Roadside safety evaluation and statistical analyses using national databases are also key. Testing is conducted using post mortem human surrogates (PMHS). PMHS preparation and autopsy is central to this testing. Setup of data acquisition and imaging systems are part of this work. Reduction and analysis of transducer data and video sequences are important functions associated with this position. Directions given and received: Independently performs most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected: Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects: May supervise or coordinate the work of graduate research assistants, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments: expected to generate publications and proposals.

The ideal candidate is a biomechanical engineer capable of conducting technical analyses related to injury potential and other injury-based principles and mitigation techniques to plan, develop, coordinate, and direct injury-based or crash-related transportation research projects. The candidate should also be willing to accept guidance for complex challenges and work in a team environment. The projects range in scope and may include:
• examining the impact of crash rates and fatalities on health outcomes as related to driver safety and performance;
• simulation-based analysis of vehicles crashes and guardrail systems ;
• research support of data collection efforts;
• analysis of transducer and video data;
• test and evaluation of systems, methods, and procedures designed to improve transportation safety and reducing vehicle-based injury;
• preparation and testing of PMHS;
• extraction and analysis of event data recorder (EDR) data
• support warfighter protection studies (primary and underbody blast)
The applicant must be interested in improving transportation safety, specifically injury prevention, and be willing to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced research environment.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of project management experience involving large, multispecialty teams. This includes monitoring project success and deliverable milestones, interacting with team personnel, successfully resolving issues as they arise, fiscal tracking, and proper communication with sponsors and contracting personnel.

Duties and responsibilities:
• Research and write literature reviews
• Review and critique reports and research plans
• Conceptualize and write work plans
• Process and analyze data
• Write research reports
• Present research findings
• Project management
• Proposal development (as the lead investigator)
• Travel (up to 25 percent of time)
• Directions given and received:
o receive instructions on project objectives,
o provided feedback on proposed research plans, and project logistics from principal investigators and project managers.
o supervise or coordinate the work of doctoral and masters level researchers as well as research assistants, students, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.

Due to the restrictions from the funding agencies, US Citizenship or Permanent Resident is required.