2025 PhD Graduate - Human Performance and Biomechanics - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Are you passionate about the human body, and how to apply science and engineering to protect our troops?

Are you interested in leading research efforts in a nationally-renowned biomechanics group bringing to bear state-of-the-art equipment and technology to better understand human injury risk due to various types of threats?

Do you desire to identify and propose solutions at the intersection of biological systems, mechanics, technology, and data science?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our Human Performance and Biomechanics team at APL!

We are seeking a New Grad PhD Biomechanical Engineer to help lead research to increase the understanding of human injury through experimental models and data, develop advanced protection solutions for the warfighter, and implement innovative analysis/modeling techniques to better transition data to information. Your primary responsibility will be to design and conduct experimental tests, analyze measured data, synthesize data into action information, and report/present information to your team, external sponsors, and the research community. Our team is a prominent research group that produces experimental and computational models to help solve the nation’s most difficult human performance and biomechanics problems. Ultimately, your contributions could help protect our nation’s warfighters against the most complex threats, restore ability to those injured, and provide super-human performance capabilities through technology.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, Engineering Science and Mechanics, or related discipline.
• Have demonstrated an ability to successfully propose work thorough formal grant writing.
• Have demonstrated an ability to effectively and rapidly publish research in order to maximize community impact.
• Have hands on experience with mechanical sensors and the data collected from them.
• Have experience with statistics and experimental matrix design.
• Have an aptitude for data processing and visualization using MATLAB.
• Have knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy, and physiology.
• Are motivated to resolve complex engineering problems as a team, discuss progress with supervisors and peers, and present results to a variety of audiences
• Are detail oriented and able to adhere to strict experimental protocols (e.g., biosafety).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly security clearance.  If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You meet our desired qualifications for the job if you…

• Have experiencing leading biomechanics research projects and/or programs.
• Have relevant research background to main Biomechanics research aims
• Blast physics
• Ballistic modeling and materials
• Wearable sensors and musculoskeletal injury
• Electromagnetic effects on the human body
• TBI modeling
• Applied Biomimetics
• Have experience with medical imaging and analysis tools.
• Have experience with advanced human-centered signal collection, processing, and analysis.
• Have experience using advanced data regression/classification techniques (e.g. Machine Learning/ and Artificial Intelligence) to solve complex data problems.
• Have experience with implementing numerical methods and associated mechanical modeling software (e.g. FEA, CFD, rigid body dynamics).

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.