Fellow in Industrial Design

The Harvard University Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) and the Social Technology for Global Aging Research Initiative seek a talented and creative Fellow to contribute to ethnographic research on challenges faced by the elderly as part of a collaboration between US and Chinese research teams. The individual will support ongoing research and translational efforts and interact with other researchers as well as external collaborators and stakeholders. Working closely with faculty, staff and other research team members, the candidate is specifically expected to interact with potential end-users of technologies, such as elderly individuals, their families and caregivers and identify unmet clinical needs that may be used to motivate technology development. Develop an understanding of the functional requirements of various solution embodiments through focus groups, literature reviews, discussions with all relevant stakeholders. Document findings and in collaboration with other researchers, staff and faculty develop and test engineering concepts against identified user needs. Provide design input, contribute to material selection for soft goods, perform iterative fabrication for wearable and virtual prototypes in multiple mediums including textiles with a focus on proof-of-concept prototypes. Create technical drawings / sketches / graphics and representations of concept designs such that construction information and strategic concepts can be reviewed by other team members and used for reports, presentations, and internal team meetings. Collaborate with team to test prototypes for functionality and usability with target audiences, collect and document feedback, and identify necessary metrics to measure and optimize various system parameters against functional requirements.

This position is for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year.

The candidate should have:

• Bachelor and MS degrees in Industrial Design or related discipline.
• At least three years of relevant post undergraduate degree experience with interacting with end-users to clearly identify design opportunities, human factors studies, ethnographic research, making multi-dimensional design tradeoffs, creating sketches of design concepts during ideation, creating sketch models to show to end-users and team members.
• The ideal candidate will have the following additional qualifications:
  • The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work on-site in Boston, MA for one year with the possibility of extending based on performance.
  • Ability and interest in travel to China as part of research collaboration.
  • Experience with wearable devices is preferred, but not required.
  • Strong 2D (sketching) and 3D (model making, prototyping) visualization skills.
  • Ability to work at all levels to accomplish team goals.
• Strong organizational, motivation, and communication skills are strongly preferred. A passion for sports, biomechanics and technology is also highly desired.

Application materials include an updated CV, a cover letter describing research interests and links to any relevant prior work, as well as the names and contact information for up to three references. Please submit the names and contact information for up to three references. Applicants can apply online at https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/10150.

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