Temporary Research Assistant - 3D Data Post-Processing

Apply for Job Job ID 374079
Location Twin Cities
Job Family Supplemental Employee
Full/Part Time Part-Time
Regular/Temporary Temporary
Job Code 0006
Employee Class Civil Service
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About the Job

The HDL is hiring a temporary research assistant to support post-processing and parametric modeling work on the prosthetic foot-shoe project. The team is building a 3D foot and shoe-interior database and developing a parametric prosthetic foot library that will allow women with lower-limb amputations to switch footwear without re-aligning their prosthesis. This role focuses on 3D scan processing, automated measurement extraction, and Grasshopper-based parametric model development under the direction of the PI and project research leads.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D scan post-processing: Clean, align, register, and prepare foot and shoe-interior meshes in Geomagic, Rhino, and related tools; perform quality checks and document issues.
• Digital landmarking and measurement extraction: Apply digital landmarks to 3D models and run the lab's automated Grasshopper pipelines (Rhino/Geomagic) to extract measurements, curves, and shape data.
• Grasshopper development: Extend and refine existing Grasshopper definitions for foot-shoe analysis, including parametric prosthetic-foot models that integrate foot shape with shoe interior (last) geometry across heel-height conditions.
• Foot-shoe analysis: Support comparative analysis of foot and shoe-interior models (measurement, airgap, shape) using Zeiss Inspect, MATLAB, and SPSS; help identify trends and fit parameters that inform the prosthetic-foot library.
• Database support: Organize and version 3D models, landmark sets, and measurement files; follow naming, de-identification, and storage conventions aligned with MSI/ISO practices.
• 3D-printable output: Prepare prosthetic-foot model files for 3D printing; assist with fit checks against target shoes and iterate models based on review feedback.
• Documentation: Maintain SOPs, Grasshopper definition documentation, and processing logs so workflows are reproducible by the broader team.
• Team coordination: Attend HDL team meetings and biweekly check-ins with VA RECOVER; communicate progress, blockers, and questions to research leads.
  Qualifications
• Required: Demonstrated Grasshopper experience (Rhino and/or Geomagic); comfort with 3D mesh post-processing; strong attention to detail and documentation habits; ability to work independently on technical tasks and meet deadlines.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Rhino, Geomagic, Zeiss Inspect, MATLAB, SPSS, or similar; background in industrial/product design, biomedical or mechanical engineering, apparel design, kinesiology, or prosthetics/orthotics; prior experience with parametric design, anthropometric data, or 3D printing workflows; completed (or willing to complete) CITI human subjects research training.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree
• Years of experience in a similar role: 1 year

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.50/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this role, please submit the following:

• A brief resume and
• A short description of relevant Grasshopper / 3D processing experience (sample definitions or portfolio links welcome)

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Diversity

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The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.