Position Openings
Graduate Students
Opening for PhD Research Assistant - Smartwear Revolution Project
Position Overview
The Adaptive Bionics Lab at the University of Calgary is currently recruiting a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering (MME) or Biomedical Engineering (BME) for a collaborative project between UCalgary and University of Alberta. The trainee will be primarily supervised by Dr. Emily Rogers-Bradley, with co-supervision from Dr. Dan Sameoto (University of Alberta). Desired start date of January 1, 2027.
Project Overview
This PhD project combines biomechanical modeling and experimental validation to guide actuator design for wearable upper- and lower-limb assistive devices. The student will use musculoskeletal modeling, inverse dynamics, and motion capture experiments to inform actuator development and validate device architectures. The project is part of a larger NFRF-funded initiative (Smartwear Revolution), requiring close collaboration with cross-disciplinary actuator, power, and textiles teams. More information about Smartwear Revolution is available here: https://smartwearrevolution.com/
Key Responsibilities
- Develop musculoskeletal and inverse dynamics models
- Specify actuator performance targets (torque–speed profiles, transmission ratios, placement)
- Conduct motion capture, EMG, and ground reaction force experiments to validate models
- Contribute biomechanical data and energetic profiles to cross-disciplinary hardware teams
- Design and lead experimental evaluation of developed hardware
- Maintain research records; lead publications and conference presentations
Qualifications
- Background in mechanical or biomedical engineering
- Experience with biomechanics, musculoskeletal modeling, and motion capture strongly preferred
- Track record of academic publications strongly preferred
- Minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) over the last two years of undergraduate study
- Must meet admissions requirements for MME PhD or BME PhD
How to apply
Interested candidates should send:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter (< 1 page)
- 1-3 samples of research papers
To Dr. Rogers-Bradley (emily.rogersbradley@ucalgary.ca) with the subject line "Application for Smartwear Revolution PhD - your name." Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications submitted by October 26, 2026 will receive full consideration.
Undergraduate Summer Students
We will be accepting summer students (BSc) for spring/summer 2026. Interested students are encouraged to apply for support through the NSERC USRA or PURE Program. Deadlines for these programs are in February 2026, if interested please reach out to Dr. Rogers-Bradley by January. For international sutdents, we accept sever students each year via the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship Program.
External Funding
Candidates with a fellowship or other source of funding will be strongly considered regardless of current availability of open positions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to funding opportunities available to University of Calgary graduate students and postdocs. If you are interested in joining the Adaptive Bionics Lab and hold a fellowship or scholarship please email your CV, transcript, and cover letter to Dr. Rogers-Bradley (emily.rogersbradley@ucalgary.ca) with the subject line "Application for position with external fellowship - your name"