Research Associate, Rehabilitation Engineering Design Research

BCIT’s MAKE+ Applied Research department is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Research Associate specializing in mechanical design, assistive technology development, and rehabilitation engineering applied research. This senior technical position is responsible for planning and conducting applied research project(s), with a focus on the design and development of assistive technologies and medical devices, and related duties within the department.

Duties & Responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Functioning as a team leader and/or participant, plans, organizes, and conducts applied research project(s) in the department, within the incumbent’s field of technical expertise. Ensures that projects are conducted with the most effective use of current technology.
• Provides technical leadership for project proposals to potential research sponsors (industrial clients or granting agencies).
• When projects are established, takes responsibility for technical issues and acts as the research and technical lead. Provides technical supervision to other project staff as required.
• Specific duties include: designing and fabricating mechatronic assistive technologies, such as a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic wheelchair; validating mechatronic devices through rigorous testing and documentation; and testing and evaluating assistive technology devices with strict mechanical and human factors requirements.
• Assumes or shares responsibility for one or more specialty areas of interest pertinent to the strategic research directions of the department. Keeps up to date with current research in the specialty area. Assumes technical advisory roles for departmental research projects requiring this expertise.
• Maintains active professional contact with others engaged in related research at the provincial, national and/or international level, and keeps abreast with technological developments to identify new project opportunities. Maintains active membership, and where appropriate, active committee participation, in relevant professional societies. Furthers professional expertise.
• Prepares project documentation, including progress reports and final detailed technical report(s), as required. Prepares project proposals. In addition, prepares and presents demonstrations, patent applications, journal publications, and conference and seminar presentations, as appropriate. Prepares and presents workshops for the purpose of disseminating research findings and emerging technical issues to the BCIT community and/or industry and/or academic conferences. May participate in client and BCIT training programs.
• Performs general/administrative duties as required within the department, including participating in staff meetings, committees and information sessions, providing management information, and assisting with the acquisition of equipment.
• Maintains a general knowledge of the aims and goals of BCIT, the educational programs in place, the proposed new programs, the expertise and capabilities of other faculty, staff and students, the equipment and other resources relevant to the incumbent’s field of expertise.
• Performs other related duties.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree or Institute of Technology Diploma in an area suitable for the work to be performed and 6 years relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 5 years of experience with three-dimensional CAD solid modelling software packages, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience working under an ISO Quality System. ISO 13485 preferred.
• 5 years of experience in medical device development and/or assistive technology research preferred.
• 5 years of experience in the design and fabrication of prototype mechanical devices with human factors requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to establish applied research projects and provide leadership to project teams.
• Outstanding knowledge of current and emerging technologies and trends and outstanding applied research experience in one or more of the unit’s identified strategic technologies.
• Technically competent in the development and implementation of a broad base of technical solutions utilizing the most current technology.

All Research Associates require: an ability to work effectively in a collegial manner within a team environment; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and compliance with institute policies regarding confidentiality and ownership of intellectual property.

Additional Information

Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

• Competitive pay
• Minimum of twenty-five days of vacation (or more, depending on your position)
• Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans!
• Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements available
• Professional Development funds and resources
• Access to most BCIT Flexible Learning courses free of charge
• Wellness and Employee Assistance programs
• Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more
• Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time. For more information on our generous benefits, click here!

BCIT is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for systemically oppressed groups who have been excluded from full participation at BCIT and the larger community. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2S/LGBTQIA+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact us using our contact form. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal. Applications submitted through the contact form will not be accepted. For additional information, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page and see how we hire.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Salary Range

$84,685 to $112,200 per annum

Additional Salary Information

Salary prorated based on percentage and term of appointment. Salary based on education, experience and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement.

Position Details

Posting Category

Applied Research

Department 2

MAKE +

Campus Location

CARI Building

Bargaining Unit

BCIT Faculty and Staff Association (FSA)

Job Status

Regular

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Start Date

07/15/2026

Anticipated End Date

Competition Information

Competition Number

26FSA061

Competition Open Date

07/01/2026

Competition Close Date

07/05/2026

Open Until Filled?

No