Assistant Professor

Department Overview

The Department of Neurology seeks an Assistant Professor with extensive expertise in neurophysiology, a strong research background in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and motor systems and demonstrated potential for independence and extramural grant funding.

 

A central component of this role is to contribute actively to the mission of the Balance Lab, working closely with the lab’s two co‑directors to advance interdisciplinary research on balance, gait, sensorimotor control, and neurorehabilitation. The successful candidate will develop an innovative research portfolio, foster collaboration across clinical and engineering disciplines, and support training for the next generation of neuroscientists.

Function/Duties of Position

Research (Primary Focus)

• Develop a cutting‑edge, independent research program in neurophysiology with strong alignment to the Balance Lab’s focus areas, including:
• Balance and postural control
• Gait physiology and motor system impairments
• Cortical and subcortical neural mechanisms of movement
• Neurorehabilitation
• Collaborate with the Balance Lab co‑directors to pursue large‑scale cross‑disciplinary projects integrating neurophysiology, biomechanics, engineering, and rehabilitation.
• Lead and co‑lead studies involving people with PD, with emphasis on mechanisms of freezing of gait, response to exercise, and neural control of mobility.
• Publish regularly in high‑impact journals and disseminate findings at major national and international conferences.

Grant Writing & Funding Expectations

• Prepare and submit NIH R‑series, NSF, and foundation grants as Principal Investigator.
• Participate in multi‑PI and center‑level proposals originating from the Balance Lab or the department.
• Maintain steady progress toward sustained independent funding, a key requirement.
• Contribute to collaborative grant development led by the Balance Lab’s co‑directors (e.g., training grants, large mechanistic studies, or technology development initiatives).

 

Collaborative Responsibilities

• Contribute substantively to the Balance Lab’s interdisciplinary mission, including:
• Support integration of neurophysiological methods into lab workflows, complementing the co‑directors’ expertise and helping broaden the lab’s capabilities.
• Advancing understanding of neural and biomechanical determinants of balance and gait dysfunction
• Innovating interventions for PD and other neurological conditions
• Participate in the strategic planning of the lab alongside the two co‑directors, including research directions, trainee recruitment, and long‑term program development.
• Mentor trainees within the lab, contributing to a shared, collaborative mentoring model.

 

Teaching & Mentorship

• Mentor PhD students, postdocs, and clinical trainees, particularly those working on balance, gait, and PD research.
• Contribute to the development of neurophysiology and quantitative methods curricula within the Balance Lab training pipeline.

 

Service & Leadership

• Support departmental and institutional committees focusing on research development, diversity and inclusion, and graduate education.
• Actively contribute to the Balance Lab’s visibility and outreach, including workshops, symposia, and community engagement activities.
• Help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary research culture.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, physiology, or related discipline.
• Postdoctoral research exerience in neurophysiology with strong relevance to PD.
• Evidence of a growing publication record and readiness for independent research.
• Demonstrated experience or strong potential in grant writing.
• Commitment to collaboration within an interdiciplinary lab environment.

 

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu