Research Opportunities (Systems Neuroscience/Neural Engineering) - Program in Physical Therapy

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Systems Neuroscience and Rehabilitation (SNR) Lab, led by Laura McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD, has immediate openings for multiple staff research positions.

In the SNR Lab, we study changes in neural control of movement after neurological injury due to multiple sclerosis or stroke. We do this primarily through analysis of motor unit population discharge, obtained non-invasively via decomposition of high-density surface electromyography. We are interested in how these changes relate to specific motor deficits and investigate how they can be targeted to improve the efficacy of neurorehabilitation interventions. We also explore various aspects of neural control of movement in the intact nervous system, such as how it differs among muscles with different biomechanical functions.

Our growing lab is located within the Washington University School of Medicine, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative environment for neural engineering and rehabilitation research and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Job Description

More information about the lab can be found at the SNR Lab website: https://sites.wustl.edu/snrlab/.

Working Conditions

• Typically sitting at desk or table.

• Typically standing or walking.

• Office equipment.

• Lab/research equipment.

• Working with human subjects – must be physically able to wear any appropriate protective equipment.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science, kinesiology, or neuroscience (or a closely related field).

• Prior experience with data management and analysis and record keeping.

• Experience in the following areas is highly desirable: MATLAB (running established programs, debugging existing programs, and/or programming new programs), and/or R (for use in statistical analyses and figure preparation), project management, human neurophysiology and/or rehabilitation research, analysis of biological signals (force/torque, EMG, motor unit discharge), data acquisition/instrumentation.  

• Excellent skills related to written and verbal communication, organization, and problem solving. Ability to utilize these skills with all levels of personnel and for technical publications.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Past experience in human subject research, and familiarity with IRB protocol procedures and HIPAA privacy requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to implement general laboratory procedures, conduct research and record findings.

• Ability to prioritize tasks in a diverse environment.

• Highly organized with good time management skills. These skills are essential to be able to prioritize a multifaceted workload and handle a variety of responsibilities in a calm and flexible manner.

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally and courteously, in a team environment, with faculty, staff, students, clinicians, external collaborators, and participants.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree. Candidates with additional education and experience are encouraged to apply.

Grade

00

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St.