Research Scientist in Musculoskeletal Simulation (KTP Associate)

KTP
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.

Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

THE PROJECT
The University of Essex in partnership with A&D Sports Ltd offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to revolutionise rehabilitation and resistance training equipment design, by creating a digital environment which uses musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanical principles to measure and prove muscle activation and joint stresses in strength training equipment.

DUTIES OF THE POST
The duties of the post will include:

• Lead the development of a digital environment that integrates musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanical principles to evaluate A&D Sports’ resistance training equipment.
• Conduct simulation studies using OpenSim and CAD models, estimating joint forces, muscle activations and movement efficiency across a range of user profiles and equipment configurations.
• Collaborate closely with A&D Sports engineers and designers to embed modelling workflows into the company’s product development cycle and support the creation of new product lines.
• Develop, document, and deliver decision-support tools that allow design teams to assess biomechanical performance of prototypes in real time.
• Upskill and train A&D Sports staff via workshops, case studies and documentation to ensure knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability of methods.
• Disseminate project outcomes through academic publications, conferences, and internal reports, contributing to both commercial impact and scientific understanding.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• MSc (or near completion) in Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related discipline (PhD desirable).
• Strong expertise in musculoskeletal modelling (OpenSim) and ability to integrate device geometries and CAD data.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for automating workflows, processing biomechanical data, and building simulation pipelines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across academic and industrial teams, with strong project management and communication skills.
• Commitment to knowledge transfer and training, with the ability to translate complex technical outputs into actionable insights for engineers and non-specialist colleagues.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, and ability to meet UK right-to-work requirements.

BENEFITS
As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits:

• A personal development budget of £4,340 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

LOCATION
A&D Sports Limited
Golden Works
Lawton Street
Rochdale
Lancashire
OL12 0LQ

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please email resourcing@essex.ac.uk.

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