Senior Research Associate

Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Case Western Reserve University, Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking a qualified candidate to fill a Senior Research Associate position. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewing. The Senior Research Associate will assist with clinical trials of implanted neural interfaces and neuroprostheses as part of a multidisciplinary team conducting neural engineering and rehabilitation research. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments with human participants, developing and refining implanted neural interfaces, analyzing neurophysiological and psychophysical data, and assisting with mentorship of students. The Senior Research Associate will contribute to and assist with leadership of Class III medical device trials, including navigating the regulatory landscape, sterilizing implanted components, working with device manufacturers, and partnering with clinicians. Our team includes students, engineers, neuroscientists, clinicians, and surgeons, and we conduct studies in partnership with several leading medical centers, including University Hospitals Cleveland, the Cleveland VA Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medicine. There are also many opportunities for collaboration with multidisciplinary researchers at institutions across the country.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide scientific oversight of research projects, including data collection and maintenance. Establish and manage the day-to-day priorities of the research staff.

2. With the principal investigator, establish goals and objectives for the efficient and timely completion of projects. Meet regularly with the principal investigator to review and set priorities, staff/student-related management, and future research planning. 

3. Coordinate experiments performed by self and other lab members, ensuring adequate resources, assisting with experimental design and analysis. Conduct activities for research progress, oversee progress of the research projects, and provide regular progress reports and recommendations for continued research development to the PI.  Ensure the PI is informed about the results of research, both from self and lab members, and ensure the PI’s research strategy is explored by lab members and through independent experiments by the Senior Research Associate. 

4. Independently and with the principal investigator, design, plan, and execute research projects with the aim of evaluating hypotheses related to neuroscience, engineering, and medical interventions. Perform analysis of results to draw scientific conclusions, identify trends, and make recommendations to the principal investigator. Maintain accurate and detailed research records, data logs, and documentation in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.

5. Develop new techniques, systems, and protocols to advance research projects within the lab.  Develop and optimize experimental techniques, procedures, systems, and protocols to support ongoing and new research initiatives, including those involving Class III medical device trials. This includes developing methods for device testing, implantation, and data acquisition, as well as refining surgical and engineering procedures in collaboration with clinical partners.

6. Mentor and train lab staff and graduate students; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the lab techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students and post-docs. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other lab members to facilitate their experiments. Coordinate training for lab members with relevant regulatory and oversight bodies, as needed.

7. Present data and findings at laboratory meetings, scientific meetings, seminars, etc. Prepare manuscripts, book chapters, presentations, and other materials for dissemination. Contribute preliminary data and writing for grant proposals.  

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. 

CONTACTS 

Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular contact with other labs for collaboration, Contact with other departments as needed

External: Supply vendors, o