Temporary Research Assistant - 3D Data Post-Processing job in Twin Cities

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., * 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.

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

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