Biomechanical Engineer

Competition Number: J0225-0373

Position Title: Biomechanical Engineer

Position Number (Final): 00508362

Employee Group: Research, Grant & Contract

Job Category: Research

Department or Area: Surgery

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada (On-site)

Salary: $72,485.00 - $89,941.00/Year

Grade: 09 Review Salary Information Here

Hours per Week: 35

Job Type: Term

Length of term: 3 Years

Shift: 7 Monday - Friday

Number Of Positions: 1

Date Posted: April 17, 2025

Closing Date: May 8, 2025

COVID 19 On-Campus Requirements

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended May 1, 2022. However, they remain in effect for students, staff, and faculty in workplaces, including hospitals, where patient care is provided and/or where the work duties or educational requirements of the position involve or support patient care.

About Queen's University

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We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

The Biomechanical Engineer will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers focused on joint biomechanics. The interdisciplinary team consists of both Orthopaedic Surgeons and Engineering Professors with expertise in imaging, modeling and biomechanical research.

The incumbent will work in Kingston Health Sciences Center (KHSC) and Queens’ University. The centers have a fully equipped biomechanics laboratory, which includes actuated shoulder and wrist simulator. The incumbent will work on biomechanics projects, including joint simulating studies. This position also allows access to a state of the art motion capture lab and a biplanar videoradiography laboratory. Taken together, this capacity allows for a comprehensive investigation of joint function muscle-tendon dynamics, and arthromechanics using both in vitro and in vivo models.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work closely with physicians, researchers and other engineers to integrate biomechanical engineering solutions into research projects.
• Collaborate with physicians, researchers and other engineers to co-design research projects.
• Identify required resources, stakeholder identification/communication and development of timelines.
• Analyze biological data, patient data and test results.
• Analyze test results to identify areas for improvement and refine prototypes.
• Contribute to co-author or author scientific papers.
• Design, prototype and evaluate biomechanical devices, systems and equipment.
• Prepare calculations and apply finite element analysis techniques to ensure proper mechanical designs.
• Maintain laboratory data, supplies, and equipment, keeping accurate purchasing records. Liaise with administrative assistants who help manage lab finances.
• Maintain/modify standard techniques within the laboratory to be shared with other lab personnel. Assist in the creation of lab standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure new personnel are trained and competent in adoption of SOPs. Apply regulations and standards, to ensure integrity of information, and compliance with ethical and safety guidelines and ensure new students and other lab staff have met ethical and safety standards prior to initiating work in the lab.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of biohazard protocols, Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board (HSREB) guidelines and other institutional requirements for the submission of grants.
• Allocate and organize lab space, for efficient use of time and resources. Determine alternative methods that make the most of time and money.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials, use operating equipment and prepare solutions and samples with care and foresight.
• Under the general direction of the PI, provide technical supervision and support of students and other lab staff, and interact with outside parties.
• Reconcile financial statements and manage other lab financials.
• Ensure that all biomechanical engineering designs comply with required health and safety guidelines.
• Interface with suppliers and vendors, obtain and review quotes.
• Stay current with advancements in biomechanical engineering and related health care fields.
• Undertake other duties in support of the department, division and related projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• MSc or PhD in biomechanical engineering or related field.
• Prior experience in a biomechanical research setting.
• Proficient in mechanical modelling and design software such as SOLIDWORKS or SolidEdge.
• Familiar with fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Relevant working experience with a strong ability to learn on-the-job.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills.
• Judgement, initiative, and foresight in order to solve problems as they arise.
• Strong computer skills to aid in research, analysis and presentation of data.
• Leadership skills to provide technical/functional guidance to junior staff and students.
• Strong mechanical aptitude; ability to read and interpret instruments and data correctly.
• A strong understanding of human physiology, biomaterials, biomechanics and medical device development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to understand problems in design and development.

DECISION MAKING:
• Determine materials, tolerances, sizes, etc. relating to specific mechanical designs of components according to standard engineering practices.
• Make recommendations regarding the manufacturing, testing and implementation of components.
• Make suggestions regarding procedures and protocols. Adapt changes in consultation with Senior Staff, to allow progress and efficiency.
• Make decisions regarding appropriate fabrication techniques, and appropriate shops for component fabrication.
• Inspect constructed components and determine if they meet specified manufacturing tolerances.
• Determine appropriate content and format for presentations and reports.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.

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