Job Summary

Are you excited by working on cutting edge research in the area of enhancing human performance and transitioning it to usable products? Do you want to help enable aging individuals to stay active and healthy, help those recovering from injury to perform data driven rehabilitation from the comfort of their home, help athletes train and recover better, and help workers reduce their injury risks? If this excites you, come and join our collaborative team at the Harvard Move Lab!

In this role you will help grow and lead research and technology development efforts for highly efficient and lightweight actuators with flexible transmission systems for wearable robotic applications, while working with faculty, clinicians, and researchers from Harvard, Boston University, and several premier hospitals in the Boston area. This role will afford the successful candidate a unique opportunity to witness their work having a direct and meaningful impact on peoples? lives, and the potential to pursue their passions with like-minded innovators and possibly be involved with start-ups that may launch from Harvard.

The Harvard Move Lab is assembling the tools, space, expertise, and relationships necessary to support entrepreneurial teams to launch new ventures and bring these innovations to life. The successful candidate will be joining an exciting innovation ecosystem in our new Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, next to the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard Innovation Labs. Learn more about us at movelab.seas.harvard.edu.

Position Description

• Work with the team to develop design specifications for actuation, transmission and interface components for wearable robot embodiments and contribute to the conceptualization, detailed design, fabrication, and testing of these components. Develop work plans for how components will be integrated into functional wearable devices.
• Create technical drawings/sketches and representations of conceptual and detailed designs so that they can be shared with team members and outside vendors.
• Assist with the testing of wearable robotics components on bench top models and during lab-based and field-based human subject testing experiments.
• Collect and document feedback and identify necessary metrics to measure and optimize various system parameters against functional requirements as well as identifying new technologies applicable to wearable robotic systems.
• Contribute to the preparation of demonstration prototypes, internal reports, patent applications and presentations. Report on goals and deliverables to project stakeholders and provide progress updates at regular team meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• BS or equivalent degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or a related degree.
• At least three years of related experience. Advanced education in a related field may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with mechanical design, simulation software, prototyping, machining (CNC), and 3D printing
• Experience with material selection and characterization of performance (stress testing, fatigue analysis)
• Experience with data acquisition (e.g. Matlab) for experimental electro-mechanical systems
• Strong creativity, initiative, organization, and communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to work effectively on multiple projects both independently and with other team members, and adapt well to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work outside of your discipline to accomplish project goals

Bonus skills/experience:

• Previous experience in robotics, medical device design, human interface design, quality systems, and/or mechanical testing
• Experience with flexible power transmission design
• Knowledge and experience working with various tooling/manufacturing sources and component vendors
• Knowledge of engineering documentation and lab procedures
• Prior experience in software development or use pertaining to data acquisition and control

Working Conditions

The work is performed in a lab environment. May occasionally be required to work outside of normal business hours.

Additional Information

• This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
• Please submit a cover letter and a resume.
• This role will be based full-time on campus at our new Science & Engineering Complex, located at 150 Western Ave, Allston, MA.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines

About SEAS:

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard?s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation, and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

SEAS Commitment to Diversity:

SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

On-Site


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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