Postdoctoral Fellow - Human Motor Control and Neurorehabilitation

Our research laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our team and contribute to research projects centered around neuroplasticity, motor control, and rehabilitation in individuals with neurological deficits like spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. In this position, the fellow will work on a variety of projects that utilize techniques such as electromyography (EMG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and clinical dynamometry. The postdoctoral fellow will work collaboratively with a diverse team consisting of engineers, therapists, physicians, and scientists to design, develop, execute, and implement scientific research.

Principal Investigator: Milap Sandhu

The Post-Doctoral Fellow, Research will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow, Research will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Designs, develops, and executes scientific research pertaining to neuroplasticity, motor control, neurophysiology, functional neuroimaging and electrical stimulation in collaboration with a research team. 
2. Participates in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs, and seminars.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products. 
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories. 
5. Assists with development of collaborative projects within and outside the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and test ideas for new projects development.
6. Applies for fellowships and grants for external lab funding and career development.
7. Participates in weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars.
8. Builds and maintains a well-organized and accountable journal of own laboratory protocols, experiments, results, and analyses.
9. Develops, submits and publishes results of research projects to scientific journals and presents data to public conferences/seminars when needed.
10. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Required Experience

1. Ph.D. or equivalent in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science, or a related field.
2. Research experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Electromyography (EMG), Electrical Stimulation, or advanced signal processing.
3. Experience in human-related experiments, motor control or learning is preferred.
4. Experience with programming languages such as R, MATLAB, Python, etc.
5. Strong writing skills demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
6. General knowledge or interest in rehabilitation and specific knowledge in biomedical or clinical principles.
7. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills needed to participate as a creative member of a growing research team.
8. Ability to exchange ideas and to work closely with clinicians, patients, and professional organizations.
9. Willingness to network within the Institute and to independently strengthen/develop new external collaborations.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the assigned Principal Investigator.

Working Conditions

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. General laboratory setting with clinical equipment like Biodex, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator, Robotic devices, exercise equipment, and treadmills.
3. Ability to move equipment and materials as needed.

 About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.