Research Assistant - Sports Medicine

Tenet•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Research Assistant organizes clinical and biomechanical research projects in collaboration with orthopaedic and sports medicine faculty, residents, fellows, and students. The role supports the design and conduct of biomedical education and research, including preparation of anatomical specimens, laboratory setup, and design of specialized fixation devices. It coordinates and supervises research surgical procedures on cadaveric specimens in a controlled operating-room-like setting, including appropriate positioning and draping. The Research Assistant coordinates training on specialized medical instrumentation and devices and anatomy workshops for physicians, physician’s assistants, and industry participants. The role maintains the bio-skills laboratory to standards defined by the DMC Sports Medicine Program and DMC Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, including ordering supplies, organizing equipment, and keeping records. It follows OSHA standards and established protocols for handling and storing human or animal tissues and body fluids. Under limited direction, the Research Assistant contributes to independent clinical and/or laboratory research, grant support, and submissions to external funding agencies; collaborates with researchers; and may lead studies. The role also assists with quantitative measurement systems and special projects, prepares detailed reports and abstracts, and participates in presentations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
One year of research experience in a related area.
Analytical ability to evaluate biomedical research equipment.
Technical knowledge of specialized biomechanical research, biomedical engineering system analysis and design, physical analogies of biological sub-systems, and vendor items and alternatives.
Ability to create custom fixation devices for biomedical research.
Interpersonal skills to work productively with staff, students, patients, outside vendors, and other medical personnel.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
Experience designing and building specialized test fixtures.

Responsibilities

Organize clinical and biomechanical research projects with orthopaedic and sports medicine faculty, residents, fellows, and students.
Collaborate with physicians and researchers to design and conduct biomedical education and research.
Receive and prepare anatomical specimens, prepare the laboratory, and design specialized fixation devices.
Coordinate and supervise in-house biomedical research surgical procedures on cadaveric specimens, including positioning and draping specimens in a controlled operating-room-like setting.
Coordinate and prepare education and training on specialized medical instrumentation and devices, and anatomy workshops for physicians, physician’s assistants, and industry.
Maintain the bio-skills laboratory to the performance standards defined by the DMC Sports Medicine Program and DMC Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, including ordering supplies, organizing equipment, and maintaining records.
Comply with OSHA standards and established protocols for handling and storing human or animal tissues and body fluids.
Contribute to the development, conduct, and submission of independent clinical and/or laboratory research and grant support or sponsorship proposals to external funding agencies.
Collaborate with researchers, stimulate staff productivity, and potentially take a leadership role in studies.
Assist with the development and implementation of quantitative measurement systems for clinical and/or laboratory use.
Assist with and participate in specialty-related projects.
Prepare detailed reports and/or abstracts and participate in presentations.