General Summary
The Single Motor Unit Laboratory (SMPP) strives to understand how the nervous system controls individual motor units within a muscle so as to enable the generation of muscle force. Seeks to investigate the role of intrinsic properties of motoneurons that innervate relevant muscle fiber populations in providing such control under normal conditions and following such illnesses as stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The PostDoc Fellow will be responsible for the design, execution and interpretation of experiments within a laboratory team environment and a larger laboratory research program of engineers, physical therapists and neuroscientists focused Ｏn sensory motor performance and rehabilitation within a major, nationally leading Academic Rehabilitation Hospital.
The PostDoc Fellow consistently demonstrates support of the SRAlab statement of Mission and Philosophy 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 PostDoc Fellow demonstrates SRAlab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRAlab Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.
Principal Responsibilities
The PostDoc Fellow will participate in the discovery and evaluation of candidate targets affecting motor unit function and subsequent sensory motor performance following stroke, SCI, and/or ALS. The PostDoc Fellow may also be expected to study the effects of various clinical interventions in order to aid the design of rehabilitation strategies targeting specific motor unit properties.
Design, execution and interpretation of experiments for the discovery of critical information in motor unit biology as it relates to the condition of-, or recovery from stroke, SCI and/or ALS.
Independent leadership of research projects in a team environment
Participates in regular development meetings with supervising team members.
Keeps informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise; offers suggestions regarding continuing development of program.
Participates in research activities.
Reporting Relationships
Reports directly to assigned Research Scientist or Principal Investigator.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
PhD degree in Biological or engineering Sciences.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Less than 5 years of postdoctoral training.
Proficiency in the use of current electrophysiology and/or nerve conduction techniques and analyses, use of electromyography, kinematic measurements including active range of motion, peak velocity, peak acceleration, movement smoothness, and movement speed; and kinetic parameters, including isometric voluntary contraction and clinical measurements of motor impairment.
General knowledge or interest in rehabilitation and/or bio- or mechanical engineering principles.
Experience working with stroke, SCI or ALS subjects.
Experience with clinical assessments related to movement (ie FIMS).
Experience using or developing computer models is a plus.
Working Conditions
Normal laboratory environment within a hospital setting with little or no exposure to biohazard materials.
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.
SRAlab 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.
Required Skills
Required Experience
