"Research Assistant"

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

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Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Job Summary

The Bhandawat Lab is seeking a motivated Research Assistant interested in biomechanics and neuroscience of locomotion. This position is ideally suited for graduating seniors who wish to strengthen their research experience before pursuing a Ph.D. program. Opportunities may be available for the candidate to continue as a Ph.D. student in the lab.

The successful candidate will contribute to two core projects focused on understanding the mechanics of locomotion and the neural and muscular mechanisms underlying leg coordination in flies.

Essential Functions

• Conduct high-speed videography of fly locomotion.
• Apply machine learning and machine vision algorithms to track body and limb movements.
• Use biomechanical modeling to analyze walking data and fit locomotion models.
• Operate a force sensor to measure leg-generated forces.
• Investigate relationships between neural activity, muscle properties, and joint movement.
• Code in MATLAB or Python for data analysis, modeling, and tracking tasks.
• Assist with general lab operations and routine tasks that support ongoing research.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biosciences, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in programming and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with dynamical systems is highly valued.
• Knowledge of neuroscience and muscle physiology is beneficial.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a lab environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience (e.g., undergraduate research, senior design project, or thesis) is required. Full-time research experience is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $41,120.00 - $61,680.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised:Aug 26 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:Sep 26 2025 Eastern Daylight Time