Research Specialist I - Motion Analysis Laboratory

Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is on a mission to inclusively educate and train outstanding clinicians and scientists from diverse backgrounds, generate new knowledge, engage stakeholders, and foster economic growth, all of which promote and protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Simply put, our mission is to Teach, Heal, Discover and Serve.

We are seeking candidates for a Research Specialist I position in the Motion Analysis Laboratory housed within the Veterinary Health Center. This position is responsible primarily for the operation and management of the Motion Analysis Laboratory including the performance of kinematic and kinetic gait analyses of small animal patients and research subjects. Additional tasks will include assisting with data collection and management in the Clinical Research Office. Opportunities exist for assistance and co-management of the VHC's 3D printing farm utilized by the surgical services depending on the experience and interest of the candidate.

Standard duties and responsibilities include:

• Operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Motion Analysis Laboratory, gait analysis software, and equipment such as force plates, pressure walkway, 2D and 3D kinematic and motion capturing system. This includes orienting and instructing students on clinical rotation in the proper operation and usage of laboratory equipment.
• Collection, interpretation, and reporting of gait analysis data of dogs for clinical evaluations and clinical research. This will require the use of statistical software to organize and analyze collected data.
• Overall management and organizations of research lab and supplies.
• Collection, data entry, and organization of clinical research data. Assisting in clinics with sample collection and processing.
• Creation, organization, and processing of administrative paperwork for patients and clinical trial participants.
• Operation and maintenance of 3D printing equipment as well as creating and processing 3D prints for surgical procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Veterinarians throughout the Midwest refer animal clients to the Veterinary Health Center for specialized diagnoses and treatment of complex musculoskeletal, neurologic, medical, and cancer conditions. Motion analysis is a critical component to the accurate diagnosis and post-operative care of such patients. Further, motion analysis has become a critical objective outcome measure utilized in clinical trials of novel treatment modalities under investigation. This position will work closely with Orthopedic, Neurology and Sports Medicine services in providing optimal care with patients. Further, this position is intended to provide additional research support to the Clinical Trials division within the hospital.

This position works standard business hours. Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Experience with 2D and 3D kinetic and kinematic motion analysis is highly desirable, but not required. Experience with data management in a research setting is also being sought.

Successful candidate will exhibit the following skills and core competencies:

• Learn new and highly specialized technical skills utilizing both software and hardware associated with motion analysis.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to process, analyze, and synthesize complex data.
• Adept at working with precise technical equipment and technology.
• Highly adaptable to changes in procedures, protocols, or priorities.
• Foster a strong collegial environment and be able to contribute to student learning and outcomes.
  

Hiring Range: $16.72 -$22.91 per hour
Grade: GGS-007
University Title: Research Specialist I
Internal applicants can determine their University Title by accessing the Talent profile tile in myHR.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.