Careers
How do I become a biomechanist?
Many people learn about biomechanics through their university courses of human movement, sport science or physical education. Increasingly, high school students are gaining an interest through the inclusion of biomechanics as a component of the physical education curriculum.
We employ students from various universities in Australia. You will need to contact the Universities by mail, email, or telephone to gain more information regarding their courses.
University students usually try to do work experience with us, this gives them a better idea of what sports biomechanics involves. These students have generally already completed at least the first year of their degree and a biomechanics unit.
Every year, we offer scholarships to science graduates who show an aptitude for sports biomechanics, and they spend a year with us learning all about Biomechanics and working with elite athletes. These positions are open only to Australian citizens and are advertised every year around August/September. They are advertised on the ASC jobs website and in The Australian newspaper. Applications cannot be received for these until the new advertisement and new application forms are listed on the website.
After a postgraduate scholarship, people look for positions at the state or territory institutes or academies of sport, or at the AIS. The AIS employs senior biomechanists only after they have had years of training and experience.
Working in AIS Aquatic Testing, Training and Research Unit (ATTRU)
AIS ATTRU works predominantly with swimming, the team is comprised of a Senior Biomechanist, a Biomechanical Support Officer, 2 Postgradaute Scholars and an admin assistant. The steps for advancement would be:
- work experience - work for a minimum 4-week period. Gain work experience in biomechanical analysis, to help determine if this is the direction to take in the science field.
- postgraduate scholars - a one-year position for Australian graduates to help them further develop their skills and help confirm their interest in biomechanical analysis.
- biomechanical support officer - permanent position assisting the senior biomechanist. Involved in developing testing methods and systems, responsible for the supervision and continuing education of the postgraduate scholars. Vacant positions are advertised in The Australian and at the ASC jobs website
- senior biomechanists - permanent position. Must have worked in biomechanical environment for many years. Responsible for developing the testing methods and systems for major sports. Vacant positions are advertised in The Australian and at the ASC jobs website
