Opportunities

We currently have openings for a number of engineering and biomechanics positions. Please see descriptions below and links to apply. In particular, we are always interested in candidates at all levels interested in entrepreneurship and technology development + evaluation + translation.
Please contact Conor Walsh (walsh@seas.harvard.edu) to express interest.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wearable Technology and Robotics

  • The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a talented, creative, and enthusiastic individual to build life-changing technologies for rehabilitation and human performance enhancement. The Postdoctoral Researcher will coordinate and lead a research project at the intersection of wearable sensing, controls, neurophysiology, movement science, and clinical rehabilitation. They will contribute to technical deliverables and help to plan for technology translation.
  • The candidate should have:
    • A PhD in engineering, biomechanics, or a related field.
    • Interest in the development and translation of rehabilitation technologies is strongly preferred.
    • Prior experience with embedded systems or biomechanical evaluation in wearable devices is desired.
  • Apply at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/10997

Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Biomechanics and Wearable Robotics

  • The Harvard Biodesign Lab invites applications for an immediate opening on a research project focused on biomechanical, physiological, and clinical evaluations of wearable robotic devices developed to assist individuals with neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy). These soft wearable robots are lightweight and pliable and apply appropriately timed joint torques to the wearer. The successful candidate will work as part of a larger team of engineers, apparel designers, movement scientists, and clinicians to conduct human subjects studies that will be used to advance the development of multiple wearable robot platforms and evaluate their ability to enhance neurorehabilitation. They will have access to state of the art equipment (Qualysis cameras, Bertec force plates in an over-ground walkway, a Bertec instrumented treadmill, Delsys Trigno surface electromyography system, and Cosmed K4b2 metabolic test system). The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the writing and running of IRB-approved studies on healthy and patient populations.
  • The candidate should have:
    • A strong interest in contributing to multidisciplinary teams and will be expected to publish scholarly papers and attend international conferences, as well as take on a mentorship role for undergraduate and graduate students.
    • A Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Movement Science, Physiology, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
    • A strong background in statistics, as well as previous experience in human subjects studies with wearable robots and working with neurological patient populations are highly desired. Additionally, having a PT background and being eligible for physical therapy licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would be a plus.
  • Application materials include an updated CV, a cover letter describing research interests and goals, a full list of publications, and up to three relevant scientific papers. Please submit the names and contact information for up to three references. Applicants can apply online at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/10113.

Post BS/MS Research Fellow in Evaluation of Wearable Technology

  • We are seeking a Research Fellow with an undergraduate or masters degree in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Movement Science, Physiology, or Biomedical Engineering, to assist with data collection and processing for lab and field based studies of back assisting wearable robots. The Research Fellow should be a collaborative problem solver who is proficient at building a strong rapport with study participants and key stakeholders. The candidate should be extremely organized, exhibit excellent communication skills, and enjoy working with diverse groups of people. A strong candidate can tackle challenging projects with minimal oversight in a fast-paced, industry-focused environment while maintaining great attention to detail.
  • We have developed a back exosuit that is lightweight and pliable and can assist with hip and back movement by applying appropriately timed joint torques to the wearer. The successful candidate will have clinical trial and human subjects experience, will work as part of a larger team to assist with collecting and analyzing data gathered from human subjects, both in field and lab studies as part of evaluations of the technology. A large part of the role will focus on supporting a yearlong field study evaluating the technology in an industrial setting. This will involve regular travel out of state to be on site and interface directly with workers and supervisors of an industrial partner. Additionally, the role will involve the weekly organization and quality checking of survey data to ensure all documented IRB protocol procedures are followed and data is collected correctly. Experience working with human subjects and associated research regulations, including the IRB is important part of tole. For lab-based studies, s/he will have access to state of the art equipment (Qualysis cameras, Bertec force plates in an over-ground walkway, a Bertec instrumented treadmill, Delsys Trigno surface electromyography system, and Cosmed K4b2 metabolic test system). The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of a highly interdisciplinary team and receive mentoring and guidance as part of the role. The appointment would start immediately and be for at least 12 months, depending on candidate availability.
  • The candidate should have:
    • Undergraduate or masters degree in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Movement Science, Physiology, or Biomedical Engineering. Two+ years of clinical research experience is required.
    • Attention to detail and professionalism are highly important for the role. Experience with participant recruitment and retention methods. CITI certified and trained in Good Clinical Practice. REDCap, data collection and data entry experience also preferred.
  • Apply at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/11501

Research Fellow | Functional Apparel Design

  • The Biodesign Lab at Harvard University seeks a talented and creative Research Fellow to contribute to the design, fabrication and testing of structured, functional textiles for wearable robotic applications. Working closely with the Lab Faculty, the ideal candidate will have the following responsibilities:
    • Follow, create, modify and contribute to new concepts and patterns that improve and optimize form, function, fit, comfort, style, sizing, and testing requirements.
    • Communicate apparel concepts by draping, hand drafting, digitizing, technical sketching and prototyping.
    • Cut and sew first prototypes and duplicate existing prototypes with high workmanship, timely execution, and hard deadlines.
    • Prototype and create sample constructions using an industrial single needle sewing machine, industrial walking foot machines, combined overlock and cover stitch machines.
    • Documentation to track changes over multiple prototype iterations, via technical drawings in Illustrator and InDesign as well as physical samples.
    • Observe, collect, and document quantitative and qualitative feedback during performance testing to identify necessary metrics to measure and optimize various system parameters against functional requirements.
    • Consolidate and present data such as, fit and comfort responses from all subjects tested, suit drift, and suit alignment, clearly and concisely to a multi-disciplinary team.
  • The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
    • Completed or soon to complete a BA/BS Degree in apparel design, textiles, industrial design or similar field.
    • The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team environment and without supervision.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
    • Ability to work on-site in Allston, MA for one year with the possibility of extending based on performance.
    • Prior experience working on technically sophisticated apparel projects, fabrication of medical braces/orthotics, or wearable technology is a plus.
    • Prior experience with Adobe Creative Suite and CAD Pattern software such as Optitex/Gerber.
  • Apply at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/11316

Staff Roles

  • We are always interested in chatting to people interested wearable technology and robotics in technical and research staff roles through the Harvard Move Lab (https://www.movelab.seas.harvard.edu/). Specific areas of interest are mechanical design, electrical engineering, embedded systems, software development and biomechanics. Ideally people have advanced research and/or product development expertise and a passion for new, early stage technology development. In addition to incubating new technologies, a goal of the Move Lab is to incubate entrepreneurial teams. We are looking for technical leaders with a strong desire to lead translation-focused research projects that could ultimately transition to industry partners or start-ups. Please get in touch with Conor Walsh (walsh@seas.harvard.edu) if interest in learning more and share a CV and specific interest.
  • Junior staff or research fellow in product development position, through the Move Lab can be found here https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/11502

Graduate students

We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.