As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

POSITION PURPOSE
The University of Washington is searching for a Research Scientist/Engineer Assistant to join our team working to advance play and mobility technology for children with disabilities. We are looking for candidates who have a passion for multidisciplinary research, who have expertise or prior exposure to technical methods, and are comfortable interacting with children and families during experimental sessions.

Our team uses engineering and design to improve human mobility, with a focus on supporting play and participation among children with disabilities. This position will focus on supporting our research experiments including recruiting/coordinating schedules with families, assisting with data collection (both in our state-of-the-art motion analysis lab and in the home/community), and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. Our research focuses on evaluating novel interventions and mobility technology for children with disabilities including cerebral palsy (CP), down syndrome, genetic conditions, or other developmental delays. In particular, our current research focuses on evaluating how non-invasive spinal stimulation, exoskeletons, and self-initiated mobility technology (adapted ride-on cars, power wheelchairs) impact early learning, muscle activity, biomechanics, communication, and development. In addition to research, this person will also be expected to contribute to lab organization and logistics, including updating websites, reviewing publications, managing supplies, coordinating with vendors/clinics, and interacting with students.

This position will work closely with the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Rehabilitation Medicine, including collaborations with our shared motion analysis laboratory (AMP Lab) and Center for Research & Education on Accessible Technology (CREATE). The overarching mission of CREATE is to make technology accessible, and make the world accessible through technology. We take a need-based, human-centered approach to accessibility research and education, work closely with stakeholders in disability communities, and apply knowledge and skills across rehabilitation medicine, engineering, design, and disability studies to improve access and quality of life for diverse populations. This research is led by Dr. Kat Steele from the UW’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Heather Feldner from the UW’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, who will directly supervise the research scientist. Candidates from underrepresented groups, including candidates with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will focus on supporting our research experiments including:

Recruiting/coordinating schedules with families (10%),

Assisting with data collection - both in our state-of-the-art motion analysis lab and in the home/community (40%), and

Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data (40%). This includes preparing and presenting research results in a form suitable for clinical and engineering conferences and publications.

In addition to research, this person will also be expected to contribute to lab organization and logistics (10%), including updating websites, reviewing publications, managing supplies, coordinating with vendors/clinics, and interacting with students.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in kinesiology, biology, engineering, human centered design, disability studies, rehabilitation science, physical/occupational therapy or related field.

While less than 3 months work-related experience is required, must have a background and knowledge on assistive technology and analysis of human movement, with prior experience working with young children and families.

Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience with assistive technology, disability studies, developmental assessment, motion capture (e.g., Qualysis, electromyography systems, accelerometer/IMU sensing) and/or quantitative research methods.

Experience working with young children (i.e., < 3 years of age) and children with complex medical needs and/or disabilities.

Potential to perform excellent research and be a highly motivated member of our team.

Rehabilitation professionals should be licensed or eligible for licensure in their respective discipline in the State of Washington.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.