Research Associate

The Research Associate (RA) will work directly under the Director of the Biomechanical Laboratory and will contribute primarily to the development of software tools and computational applications supporting biomechanical, orthopaedic, medical imaging, educational, and translational research. The RA will participate in software design, programming, testing, validation, documentation, data processing, visualization, and deployment. The RA will also support ongoing research studies, data management, scientific presentations, manuscripts, grant applications, and collaborative projects. The RA will work closely with faculty, research personnel, residents, medical students, undergraduate students, engineers, clinicians, and other collaborators to translate research requirements into practical computational solutions. The incumbent must be able to work independently, establish priorities, and manage concurrent projects. Work hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; additional hours may be required. Regular attendance is required to perform the functions of this position. Incumbent will maintain a customer-oriented awareness in acknowledging and responding to needs as they occur that customer satisfaction is met at all times. Essential Position Functions & Duties 60% - Software Development and Computational Research Design, develop, implement, test, validate, maintain, and document research software and computational tools. Develop software using programming languages and environments such as Python, C++, MATLAB, C#, Unity, Unreal Engine, or other relevant technologies. Develop graphical user interfaces and interactive tools for research, education, data processing, and visualization. Develop workflows for processing, analyzing, and visualizing scientific, engineering, biomechanical, and medical imaging data. Create and manipulate 2D and 3D models, geometries, meshes, textures, environments, and visualizations. Integrate software with laboratory instrumentation, external data-acquisition systems, and research databases when required. Perform software testing, debugging, verification, and validation, and document software performance and limitations. Use version-control systems, such as Git, and appropriate practices for source-code management, collaboration, and software versioning. Maintain clear technical documentation, source-code documentation, user instructions, and records of software versions and releases. Plan, track, and document software-development milestones and progress. Collaborate with investigators, engineers, clinicians, research fellows, residents, and students, and assist the PI with hypothesis-driven computational, biomechanical, or imaging research. 15% - Research Protocol Management Assist investigators with the preparation and maintenance of IRB protocols, amendments, continuing reviews, consent documents, and other study materials. Support study implementation and participant-related activities, including screening, enrollment, education, and informed consent, when applicable and as authorized by the approved protocol. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete study data, regulatory records, and protocol documentation. Coordinate or schedule study-related procedures and report adverse events in accordance with applicable sponsor, institutional, and IRB requirements. Support affiliate sites, audits, quality-assurance reviews, and protocol-compliance activities as assigned. Assist investigators and research staff with pre-study evaluations, budgets, contracts, and research-billing coordination when applicable. 10% - Data Processing and Analysis Prepare, organize, clean, and analyze research data using accurate and reproducible workflows. Maintain research files and databases, perform quality-control checks, and follow applicable requirements for data security and confidentiality. Assist with statistical analysis, interpretation, and visualization of research results. 5% - Manuscripts, Presentations, and Grants Assist the PI and collaborators with manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other scientific communications. Conduct literature searches using PubMed, institutional library resources, archives, and other appropriate sources. Support the preparation and submission of research grant applications and related materials. 5% - Regulatory Compliance and Research Confidentiality Maintain research documentation and follow applicable institutional, IRB, sponsor, FDA, and ICH requirements. Follow requirements for human-subject protection, research integrity, data security, confidentiality, and responsible conduct of research. Maintain the confidentiality of research software, source code, algorithms, data, and proprietary or pre-publication materials, and comply with institutional policies governing intellectual property and software distribution. Complete required training and use current approved regulatory documents, databases, and guidance. Adhere to the LSU Compliance Program''s Code of Conduct and other applicable institutional policies. 5% - Marginal / Non-Essential Functions Perform other related duties as assigned. Provide reasonable coverage for co-workers during temporary absences, as needed.