Biomechanics Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent•Austin, TX

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Biomechanics Associate for its Biomechanics Practice in Austin, TX. This role involves working within an interdisciplinary team to support senior consultants on biomechanics consulting projects. The primary focus is the analysis of human injury associated with real-world and simulated events. This includes detailed analysis of the human body's response to forces like accelerations and bending moments during incidents to understand motion and injury potential. It also involves analyzing the conditions under which an injury occurred (e.g., activity, premises, vehicle, product) and assessing whether such injuries could have been mitigated. The role requires a motivated critical thinker capable of quickly and accurately synthesizing information from various sources for stakeholders, as many projects are fast-moving. The position requires reviewing and summarizing technical and non-technical materials, researching scientific literature and test data, analyzing biomechanical information (kinematics, dynamics, injury mechanisms, human tolerance), and clearly communicating findings through presentations and written reports. Synthesizing technical information for both technical and non-technical audiences, managing projects with cost control, and assisting in research, publications, and marketing efforts are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biomechanics, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
A passion for science communication and critical analysis
Outstanding written communication skills and a detail-oriented eye
Presentation experience synthesizing complex information for both technical and non-technical audiences
Hands-on experience evaluating human tissue biomechanics with laboratory or computational methods and a working knowledge of human or animal anatomy and physiology
Effective leadership skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of professionals both inside Exponent and externally with our clients, including engineers, scientists, managers, attorneys, and administrative staff

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of computational modeling methods for analyzing biomechanical response to forces is valued, but not required
Interest in, and eligibility to, obtain a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license

Responsibilities

Reviewing and summarizing both technical and non-technical materials with an eye for detail to identify key facts and information (this may include reviewing police reports, medical/autopsy records, legal pleadings, expert reports, deposition testimony, photographs, vehicle specifications, design drawings, and other documentation)
Researching and reviewing relevant scientific journals, publications, and test data
Analyzing and critically synthesizing technical biomechanical information involving kinematics, dynamics, mechanisms of injury, and human tolerance
Clearly communicating findings via presentations and written reports, including both generating documents and reviewing the work of others with an eye for factual, technical, and editorial nuance
Synthesizing technical information into an easily-understood format suitable for presentation to technical and non-technical audiences
Professionally and respectfully reviewing sensitive projects involving confidential material and/or documentation of severe injuries
Managing projects with effective cost control measures, including tracking project progress and budgets and interacting with stakeholders
Assisting in conducting research, publishing reports and papers in technical journals, and presenting findings at meetings and conferences
Actively participating in our Biomechanics Practice and assisting in marketing the group’s technical capabilities to clients and the scientific community