Posting Expiry
Human Biomechanics, Wearable Sensors, and Motion Capture
Human Comfort Research Cluster
UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, BC
Bridging research disciplines and industry to advance human comfort and performance.
In this project, join a collaborative research team at UBC and lululemon Athletica to advance the science of human comfort in sports bras through biomechanics, wearable sensing, and motion capture.
ABOUT THE CLUSTER
MMRI's human comfort multidisciplinary research cluster is an internationally leading hub for human-centered design, smart sensing, advanced manufacturing, and comfort-enhancing technologies. We bridge academia and industry by turning cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that improve product performance, user experience, and well-being
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead controlled human-subject trials using Vicon motion capture, wearable sensors (IMUs, pressure, strain, accelerometers), and questionnaires to quantify breast motion, tissue deformation, pressure, garment strain, and comfort during dynamic activities.
- Validate and advance a modular biomechanical torso simulator on a hexapod motion platform using high-accuracy motion capture to generate gold-standard datasets.
- Analyze data and develop data-driven and computational methods to evaluate sports bra designs and fabric systems.
- Collaborate with UBC researchers, graduate students, and lululemon scientists to ensure strong translational impact.
- Engage in cross-disciplinary training and professional development through the NSERC CREATE program on Product Design for Human COMFORT (PDHC).
Research at the intersection of:
- Human Biomechanics
- Wearable Sensing
- Motion Capture
- Simulation & Robotics
- Data Science & AI
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD (within last 5 years or near completion) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Kinesiology, Human Factors Engineering, Biomechanics, Computer Science, or related field
- Demonstrated experience conducting human-subject biomechanics or smart health research
- Experience with Qptical motioncapture systems(preferably Vocon)
- Experience with wearable sensing technologies such as IMUs, accelerometers, pressure sensors, or physiological sensors
- Strong data analysis, statistics, and programming skills (MATLAB, Python, or similar)
- Experience with machine learning, statistical learning, or Al methods for biomechanical or wearable sensor data
- Demonstrated ability to integrate experimental biomechanics with computational modeling and/or data-driven methods
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
COMPENSATION
$60,000 per year for 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to funding and performance.
LOCATION
UBC Okanagan campus, Kelowna, BC Periodic travel to collaborating research sites and partner facilities may be required.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three academic or professional references
Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2026 to farzan.gholamreza@ubc.ca.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications from women are particularly encouraged.