Technical Project Specialist

About the Job:

The Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center (BMDC) facilitates moving healthcare technology from idea to commercialization. Stakeholders from around the University including M Health Fairview clinicians, research faculty, research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students come to BMDC for guidance and resources on solving healthcare needs. Some ideas are vague, some are well-formed, some are advanced, and some are in the early stages of development.

The BMDC is seeking a Technical Project Specialist to work in direct collaboration with BMDC staff to support various BMDC initiatives. This role involves handson technical contributions to the design, prototyping, testing, and development of software and hardware solutions that advance medical device innovation, education, and research.

The position requires frequent collaboration with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners, University of Minnesota faculty and staff, fellows, trainees, and clinicians.

Location and Work environment: This position is hybrid. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities:

40%: Program Support - Bakken MDC Initiatives

• Provide technical and project support.
• Assist with the design, prototyping, testing, and implementation of related software and hardware solutions.
• Collaborate with program stakeholders to ensure deliverables align with program objectives, timelines, and requirements.

35%: Support for Additional Bakken MDC Projects

• Contribute to the development of software and hardware solutions across a variety of other Bakken MDC initiatives.
• Assist with technical troubleshooting, documentation, and iterative improvement of prototypes, systems, and tools.
• Support evolving project needs as new initiatives emerge.

25%: Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with a broad network of partners, including:
  • Industry collaborators
  • University of Minnesota faculty and staff
  • Fellows and trainees
• Clinicians and clinical research partners
• Communicate technical progress, challenges, and outcomes clearly and effectively with stakeholders.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience with software and/or hardware development and prototyping
• Strong problemsolving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Handson experience with sensor fabrication and experimental characterization
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical testing techniques
• Strong documentation, data analysis, and technical communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience supporting research, education, or innovation programs
• Familiarity with medical device development or clinical research environments
• Experience working with industry partners and academic stakeholders
• Proficiency with prototyping tools, documentation practices, and iterative design workflows

The Bakken Medical Devices Center (BMDC), a unit of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine and part of the College of Science and Engineering and the Medical School, facilitates moving novel medical technologies from ideas to commercialization. BMDC research and development projects originate from clinical faculty with ideas for a new medical device, or from engineering faculty with a new technology, or both.

Pay Range: $50.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Work Location: In person

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

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.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

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.