The Functional Biomechanics research group (Prof. Dr. Mündermann) at the Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) invites applications for a Research Associate Position within an Innosuisse project focusing on inertial measurement unit based motion capture. The project will be carried out at the new CADENCE Core Facility at the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the University of Basel in collaboration with industry and academic partners and will start in September 2024. The project aims to identify clinically relevant parameters based on wearable sensors, to test their reliability and construct and clinical validity, and to determine the minimum set of wearable sensors for orthosis fitting and clinical applications. The Research Associate will be responsible for all aspects of the project, including experiments on humans.
The project will involve motion capture experiments on patients with orthopaedic conditions affecting joint function, such as patients requiring ankle foot orthoses, and healthy control participants. You will review the literature on clinically relevant motion capture parameters, adapt, combine, and refine established motion capture systems including inertial sensor based wearable sensors, assess their reliability and construct and clinical validity, and evaluate the minimum required sensor sets. You will collaborate with clinicians, orthotists, and biomedical and software engineers to recruit and assess participants, collect motion and electromyographic data, and refine data processing and analysis algorithms. You will also be involved in proposal writing and in teaching or supervising undergraduate and graduate student projects.
- Highly motivated candidate with at least a Master's degree or equivalent (PhD an advantage) in biomedical engineering, movement science or a related discipline
- Excellent grades
- Strong Matlab or Python programming and algebra skills
- Strong knowledge of motion analysis and electromyography
- Ideally, previous experience with inertial measurement units, marker-based motion capture, electromyography, and musculoskeletal biomechanics
- Experience with studies conducted in a clinical context
- Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary team of orthotists, orthopaedic surgeons, biomedical engineers, software engineers, and movement scientists
- Strong German and English language and communication skills
The position is funded by Innosuisse for 2.5 years. We offer an international, multidisciplinary working environment and excellent research infrastructure. Remuneration will be according to the guidelines of the University of Basel. The expected start date is 1 September 2024.
Application / ContactApplications will be accepted until 31 July 2024 or until the position is filled. Please submit your application as a single PDF document via e-mail (subject: “Application: Research Associate IMU motion capture", address: see below). The document should include a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, transcripts of diploma, proof of German language skills (at least B2), and contact information for at least two references.
For applications and questions please contact Prof. Dr. Annegret Mündermann (
annegret.muendermann@unibas.ch).