Postdoc and MS/PhD Positions in Clinical Biomechanics and Wearable Robotics at University of Utah University of Utah in United States

The Utah Wearable Robotics Laboratory (UWRL) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah is recruiting for multiple research opportunities in clinical biomechanics, wearable robotics, and rehabilitation engineering.

Postdoctoral Fellow: The lab seeks a highly motivated postdoc to help lead an NIH-funded multi-year clinical biomechanics study on a powered neck exoskeleton for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The project includes cross-sectional laboratory experiments, validation of robot-based neck strength measurements, and a longitudinal cohort study tracking device use and functional outcomes. The postdoc will coordinate human-subject research, manage study operations, oversee IRB compliance, supervise students, contribute to data analysis, and help prepare journal manuscripts and conference papers.

Graduate Student Positions (MS/PhD): Multiple fully funded graduate positions are open for students interested in the same project. Research areas may include human-subject biomechanics experiments, wearable robot control and hardware integration, motion analysis using motion capture and IMUs, clinical data analysis and longitudinal modeling, assistive and rehabilitation robotics design, and translation of engineering tools into clinical research settings.

Funding: The postdoc is supported by an NIH R01 and offers competitive salary and benefits, with conference travel covered. Graduate positions are fully funded with 100% tuition coverage and competitive stipends as research assistantships.

Eligibility highlights: Postdoc applicants should hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Robotics, or a closely related field, and have experience with human-subject research and strong biomechanics/rehabilitation engineering skills. Graduate applicants should have a strong interest in biomechanics, robotic rehabilitation, and human movement science; prior experience with human-subject research or motion analysis is helpful but not required.

How to apply: Postdoc applicants should email a single PDF with a cover letter, CV, one relevant publication, and 2–3 references to Dr. Haohan Zhang. Graduate applicants should email a statement of research interests and career goals, CV, transcripts, and optional supporting materials. Formal admission must follow the University of Utah graduate program requirements.

Application window: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled. Start dates are flexible, with the postdoc available July 2026 and graduate enrollment beginning Fall 2026 or later.