Summary
The ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI) is seeking a passionate innovator and collaborator to join their team as a Lead Running Biomechanist. This is a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow opportunity focused on redefining athletic performance and sport science through a groundbreaking partnership between ASICS and the University of Michigan. The role involves administering lab-based biomechanical assessments, participating in athlete performance-based research studies, and translating high-level science into real-world innovation within a multi-disciplinary team.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (Lead Running Biomechanist)
Research Area
- Running Biomechanics
- Sport Science
- Athletic Performance
- Musculoskeletal Modeling
- Human Movement Data Analysis
Location
Ann Arbor Campus, Ann Arbor, MI (Onsite)
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications
- Education: PhD in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Expertise in Running Biomechanics: Demonstrated, extensive hands-on experience independently testing and analyzing human running gait. A strong peer-reviewed publication record focused on gait biomechanics.
- Musculoskeletal Modeling: Demonstrated expertise in advanced musculoskeletal modeling software (e.g., OpenSim) for calculating internal joint contact forces, muscle-tendon dynamics, and tissue-level mechanical loading during running.
- Hardware Proficiency: Plentiful, turn-key technical expertise with motion capture systems and force plate integration. Experience with advanced multi-system integration and hardware synchronization protocols.
- Advanced Programming Skills: Strong, independent programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R) for custom processing, filtering, and modeling of kinematic and kinetic datasets.
- Autonomy: Proven ability to operate with a high degree of independence, solve complex technical/equipment problems without direct supervision, and manage multiple study timelines concurrently.
- Communication & Collaboration: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to interface professionally and dynamically with a diverse cohort of faculty, engineering partners, elite athletes, and corporate practitioners in a fast-paced environment.
- Passion for Sport & Performance Innovation: A deep, intrinsic passion for sports, athletic culture, and human performance science, driven by real-world athletic outcomes and a desire to translate research into cutting-edge product development.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working directly with elite high-performance athletes, coaches, or footwear design teams.
- Understanding of intellectual property confidentiality and data security.
Job Description
Responsibilities
- Lab Setup & Technical Management: Lead the technical setup, integration, calibration, and routine troubleshooting in a newly established high-performance biomechanics lab (including VICON motion capture, AMTI force plates, Bertec instrumented split-belt treadmill, hp cosmo force plate treadmill, and Noraxon IMU system).
- Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and analyze complex human movement data in-lab and in-field using marker-based and markerless motion capture, overground/treadmill force plates, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, with a heavy emphasis on high-performance distance running.
- Data Pipeline Development: Independently write, optimize, and maintain custom data processing pipelines and scripts for large-scale biomechanical datasets.
- Dissemination and Translation: Author high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at professional conferences, and translate complex scientific data into actionable insights for key stakeholders, including industry partners, product design engineers, elite athletes, and coaching staff.
- Mentorship & Project Operations: Oversee the day-to-day project and operational workflows. Supervise, mentor, and review the work of undergraduate and graduate students working on AMSI projects.
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should include the job posting ID 282007 and address your specific interest in the position, outlining skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Last Date for Apply
The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. The posting began on 2026-08-20, so applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.
