Athlete Innovation Lab (HAIL) Assistant Role
Program Component
Athlete Innovation Lab (HAIL) Assistant Role
Term
Fall 2026 – Winter 2027
Athlete Innovation Lab (HAIL) Assistant Role
HPSSC developed this component of the Athlete Innovation Initiative in order to place students within the Athlete Innovation Lab (HAIL) to learn and execute best practices as deemed appropriate by HPSSC and Athletic Department staff, while learning about and staying compliant with all NCAA and Big 10 rules and regulations for the following:
- data collection,
- data analysis,
- data interpretation, and
- assessment results dissemination
U-M HPSSC HAIL ASSISTANT ROLE
HPSSC developed this role for advanced undergraduate or master’s level students and is overseen by HPSSC faculty and staff and U-M Athletics. This role provides hands-on practicum to develop applied physiologic and biomechanical assessment skills in the context of high-performance sport. Educational focus will be on best practices for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and results dissemination.
Students will learn to directly administer the following testing as as requested across sports within U-M Athletics:
- physiologic (e.g., VO2 max, lactate threshold, running economy, and resting metabolic rate) and biomechanical (e.g., gait testing, countermovement jump, and strength testing)
HPSSC will be supporting students in this role alongside others to be implemented as part of a cohort that will meet regularly in a unique collaborative environment. Participants will consult with Athletic Department stakeholders to gain knowledge of the expectations and demands related to athlete performance in practice and competitions as well as the coordination of team professional staff to promote athlete health and well-being.
Position Details
Location: Human Performance & Sport Science Center Athlete Innovation Lab (HAIL) at U-M South Performance Center.
Position Type: Volunteer/unpaid or for credit roles for fall 2026; opportunity to extend to winter 2027.
Hours: Daytime availability required; minimum of six hours per week in at least two hour intervals
Position Detail: Volunteer/unpaid or for credit.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the setup and conduct human metabolic and/or biomechanical assessments (i.e., inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, treadmills, metabolic cart, blood lactate monitoring)
- Monitor lab equipment and ensure data accuracy
- Collect and organize assessment data
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting
- Support training and training material efforts
- Collaborate with performance staff, coaches, athletes, and HPSSC faculty and staff
- Maintain equipment and supplies inventory
- Assist with report preparation
- Attend mandatory training sessions and monthly workshops
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or master’s student at University of Michigan.
- Strong interest in sports science, technology, or related fields.
- Basic experience through one or more of the following:
- Exercise science or biomechanical science coursework
- Exercise physiology lab
- Biomechanical/gait analysis lab
- Passed or enrolled in at least one of the following or similar classes: Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Anatomy
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Able to commit to working defined days and times as scheduled
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred Skills
- Experience with technical support or troubleshooting.
- Background in sports or physical education.
- Familiarity with athletic training or sports performance metrics.
2026 – 2027
Thank you for your interest. We have concluded our recruitement and selection process for fall term 2026.
Check back mid- to late fall term ’26 for updates regarding winter term 2027.
Questions about the HPSSC Athlete Innovation Initiative?
For further inquiries, email [email protected].