Anatomical 3D Artist & Human Factors Device Designer
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Position Overview
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.
This role performs professional research and development activities. It is a senior individual contributor who provides technical guidance to junior employees and can recommend actions such as hiring, suspending, promoting, or disciplining. The employee directs project work, mentors staff, and supervises student employees following schedules, due dates, and clear deliverables. Complex problem solving skills are required to address varied challenges.
The position is the BMDC's expert in end‑to‑end development of anatomical 3D models supporting clinical care, medical education, research, and product development. It transforms medical imaging data into accurate digital and physical models via advanced software, additive manufacturing, and rigorous quality assurance processes. The role collaborates closely with clinicians, instructors, and industry partners to create customized solutions for surgical planning, training, patient communication, and device testing.
Success requires strong technical proficiency in 3D modeling and fabrication, effective consultation with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to clinical accuracy and safety. The employee also maintains modeling equipment, manages materials and budgets, contributes to program funding, and represents the BMDC through outreach and reporting.
Job Duties / Responsibilities
80% 3D Anatomical Design, Modeling, Fabrication & Application
Model creation: Develop detailed, accurate 3D models from CT, MRI scans or a curated library of generic anatomies.
Customization: Modify models based on specific patient scans for surgical planning or adjust material properties to mimic tissues for testing.
Software utilization: Employ specialized 3D modeling software, including advanced features like deep‑learning‑driven segmentation and VR visualization.
Manufacturing: Work with 3D printing and artistic techniques to produce physical models for planning, education, and testing.
Quality assurance: Verify geometry, material properties, and compliance with clinical standards, often producing validation reports for regulatory purposes.
Application development: Create platforms for educational and surgical simulation.
Surgical planning: Assist surgeons in visualizing and planning complex procedures.
Medical education: Provide interactive tools for anatomy learning.
Patient communication: Aid in explaining procedures to patients and families.
Product development: Enable medical device companies to test product performance in simulated environments.
Respond to instructor and clinical staff requests for model design and construction.
Consult on digital model development with requestor.
Create digital model (blueprint) using appropriate tools such as Mimics, 3‑Matic, or Meshmixer.
Select optimal toolset (3D printers, classic art materials) for model building.
Build model and review with requestor (verification & validation).
Produce requested number of models.
E‑Store
Research market needs and identify models for inclusion in the catalogue.
Determine pricing (costs) for models.
Upload files for models (metadata, cost, pictures).
Supervise and execute model production.
Funding
Engage funding sources to support the program.
3D printers
Maintain/repair equipment per manufacturer’s maintenance program.
Manage material balance.
Request materials from Chief of Staff/Front Desk.
Develop proposals for new capabilities to meet institutional objectives.
Budgets
Track materials used and invoiced for accounting submission.
Collaborate with accounting and BMDC staff on reports.
10% Human Factors Device Designer
User Research & Design
Conduct ethnographic research, contextual inquiries, and task analyses.
Perform use‑related risk analyses such as Use FMEA.
Collaborate with industrial designers, software engineers, product managers, and clinicians to integrate HFE principles.
Co‑design user interfaces (physical and software) that are intuitive and ergonomic.
Risk Management
Plan, execute, and report on formative and summative usability studies.
Create HFE technical files for FDA/EMA submissions, including usability engineering reports.
10% Admin
Represent BMDC to the public
Manage tours, conferences, trade shows, guest lectures, and outreach programs.
Updates & Reports
Participate in department meetings.
Contribute to Director’s report to Deans.
Grants & Funding
Generate data for grant/funding requests.
Develop grant strategies.
All duties assigned by the Director.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and work experience equal to at least nine years.
Undergraduate degree in science or a medical school degree.
Experience in medical device development (ISO 62366, FDA guidelines) or a highly regulated industry.
Practical knowledge of human anatomy.
Ability to conceptualize ideas and communicate them to clients in 2D and 3D.
Proficiency in user research, usability testing, risk analysis, and rapid prototyping.
Mastery of Stratasys Polyjet J850 and FDM printers.
At least 3 years of experience with segmentation using Materialize Mimics.
Experience with Materialize software suite, MeshLab, Meshmixer, and Blender.
Experience in multiple classic art mediums (clay, paint, illustration).
Knowledge of practical effect mediums (silicone, casting).
Supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s in Human Factors & Ergonomics.
PhD in Human Factors & Ergonomics (completed by start date).
Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills to articulate complex usability issues.
HIPAA training (can be completed after hire date).
Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information professionally.
Familiarity with U of MN policies and procedures.
Experience functioning at a senior research level within an academic institution.
Experience with Google Workspace (G‑Forms, G‑Sheets, Drive).
Pay & Benefits Pay Range:
$32.73–$57.46 per hour ($68,078.40–$119,516.80 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Time Appointment:
100%
Work Location:
In person
Position Type:
Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor‑Represented Staff
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
University HSA contributions.
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
Employee wellbeing program.
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
Financial counseling services.
Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost.
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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. For more information about diversity at the U, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.
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This role performs professional research and development activities. It is a senior individual contributor who provides technical guidance to junior employees and can recommend actions such as hiring, suspending, promoting, or disciplining. The employee directs project work, mentors staff, and supervises student employees following schedules, due dates, and clear deliverables. Complex problem solving skills are required to address varied challenges.
The position is the BMDC's expert in end‑to‑end development of anatomical 3D models supporting clinical care, medical education, research, and product development. It transforms medical imaging data into accurate digital and physical models via advanced software, additive manufacturing, and rigorous quality assurance processes. The role collaborates closely with clinicians, instructors, and industry partners to create customized solutions for surgical planning, training, patient communication, and device testing.
Success requires strong technical proficiency in 3D modeling and fabrication, effective consultation with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to clinical accuracy and safety. The employee also maintains modeling equipment, manages materials and budgets, contributes to program funding, and represents the BMDC through outreach and reporting.
Job Duties / Responsibilities
80% 3D Anatomical Design, Modeling, Fabrication & Application
Model creation: Develop detailed, accurate 3D models from CT, MRI scans or a curated library of generic anatomies.
Customization: Modify models based on specific patient scans for surgical planning or adjust material properties to mimic tissues for testing.
Software utilization: Employ specialized 3D modeling software, including advanced features like deep‑learning‑driven segmentation and VR visualization.
Manufacturing: Work with 3D printing and artistic techniques to produce physical models for planning, education, and testing.
Quality assurance: Verify geometry, material properties, and compliance with clinical standards, often producing validation reports for regulatory purposes.
Application development: Create platforms for educational and surgical simulation.
Surgical planning: Assist surgeons in visualizing and planning complex procedures.
Medical education: Provide interactive tools for anatomy learning.
Patient communication: Aid in explaining procedures to patients and families.
Product development: Enable medical device companies to test product performance in simulated environments.
Respond to instructor and clinical staff requests for model design and construction.
Consult on digital model development with requestor.
Create digital model (blueprint) using appropriate tools such as Mimics, 3‑Matic, or Meshmixer.
Select optimal toolset (3D printers, classic art materials) for model building.
Build model and review with requestor (verification & validation).
Produce requested number of models.
E‑Store
Research market needs and identify models for inclusion in the catalogue.
Determine pricing (costs) for models.
Upload files for models (metadata, cost, pictures).
Supervise and execute model production.
Funding
Engage funding sources to support the program.
3D printers
Maintain/repair equipment per manufacturer’s maintenance program.
Manage material balance.
Request materials from Chief of Staff/Front Desk.
Develop proposals for new capabilities to meet institutional objectives.
Budgets
Track materials used and invoiced for accounting submission.
Collaborate with accounting and BMDC staff on reports.
10% Human Factors Device Designer
User Research & Design
Conduct ethnographic research, contextual inquiries, and task analyses.
Perform use‑related risk analyses such as Use FMEA.
Collaborate with industrial designers, software engineers, product managers, and clinicians to integrate HFE principles.
Co‑design user interfaces (physical and software) that are intuitive and ergonomic.
Risk Management
Plan, execute, and report on formative and summative usability studies.
Create HFE technical files for FDA/EMA submissions, including usability engineering reports.
10% Admin
Represent BMDC to the public
Manage tours, conferences, trade shows, guest lectures, and outreach programs.
Updates & Reports
Participate in department meetings.
Contribute to Director’s report to Deans.
Grants & Funding
Generate data for grant/funding requests.
Develop grant strategies.
All duties assigned by the Director.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and work experience equal to at least nine years.
Undergraduate degree in science or a medical school degree.
Experience in medical device development (ISO 62366, FDA guidelines) or a highly regulated industry.
Practical knowledge of human anatomy.
Ability to conceptualize ideas and communicate them to clients in 2D and 3D.
Proficiency in user research, usability testing, risk analysis, and rapid prototyping.
Mastery of Stratasys Polyjet J850 and FDM printers.
At least 3 years of experience with segmentation using Materialize Mimics.
Experience with Materialize software suite, MeshLab, Meshmixer, and Blender.
Experience in multiple classic art mediums (clay, paint, illustration).
Knowledge of practical effect mediums (silicone, casting).
Supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s in Human Factors & Ergonomics.
PhD in Human Factors & Ergonomics (completed by start date).
Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills to articulate complex usability issues.
HIPAA training (can be completed after hire date).
Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information professionally.
Familiarity with U of MN policies and procedures.
Experience functioning at a senior research level within an academic institution.
Experience with Google Workspace (G‑Forms, G‑Sheets, Drive).
Pay & Benefits Pay Range:
$32.73–$57.46 per hour ($68,078.40–$119,516.80 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Time Appointment:
100%
Work Location:
In person
Position Type:
Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor‑Represented Staff
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
University HSA contributions.
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
Employee wellbeing program.
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
Financial counseling services.
Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost.
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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. For more information about diversity at the U, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.
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