Biomechanical researchers are involved in conducting research assignments on topics like biomechanics and kinesiology. Biomechanics is the application of physics, which involves the integration of physics and mechanics into a biological system, i.e., a human body. Biomechanical researchers need to specialize in the field of applied physics and anatomy in order to complete their responsibilities accordingly.
Key Responsibilities
As a biomechanical researcher, one needs to perform various duties dealing with biomechanics applications. Mostly these tasks pertain to fitness and health-care industries where one is required to design and develop gym equipment and other fitness accessories, considering the dynamic aspect of human anatomy for better health and comfort.
Biomechanical researchers work together in a team, carrying out multidisciplinary tasks of creating innovative products / equipment, which mainly focus on the overall improved performance, causing minimal strain and no injury. The various products include gym equipment, athletic footwear and apparels, prosthesis, artificial organs, and medical information systems.
The key responsibilities of a biomechanical researcher comprise:
Required Qualifications and Skills
The basic qualification required for obtaining a post in the field of biomechanical research is postgraduate or doctorate degree in kinesiology, biomedical engineering, human movement engineering, ergonomics, or other relevant field of biology / applied physics. Along with this, relevant experience as a research intern in a biomechanical laboratory is also preferred.
Apart from educational qualifications, one also needs to demonstrate certain skills necessary in the field of research. As a biomechanical researcher, one must be able to have keen interest in learning new technologies, critical thinking ability, judgment and decision making skills, computing and statistical skills, and organizational skills.
Salary Compensation
The average salary of a biomechanical researcher falls in the range of $60,000 to $90,000 per year. Most of the biomechanical researchers start their career as research interns and then gradually move towards higher positions with increasing responsibilities and higher payscale. Apart from this, average annual salary also depends on previous work experience, industrial specification, and work location.
Career Prospects
The demand for biomechanical researchers is expected to rise at a rapid rate in the near future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, estimated growth of jobs in this profile is expected to be around 72 percent by 2018. With high rate of population growth, job prospects are likely to grow, as the requirement of better biomechanical technologies arises.
The roles and responsibilities of biomechanical researchers are very dynamic and quite specific to the research area. As a scientist, one needs to apply all basic and applied scientific principles into the research, be creative with the methods of research, think differently, keep questioning about the results and applications, and be open to wide areas of knowledge. Apart from this, one also needs to consider the market application of one's research and develop the performance based equipment / product accordingly, which is capable enough to get appropriate position in the competitive marketplace.