The Post-Doctoral Fellow in Rehabilitation Technologies Outcomes Research is responsible for the development and execution of industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated research in wearable sensors, rehab robotics, and other assistive and adaptive technologies to measure or treat physical disability. The applicant will work in the Max Nader Center for Rehabilitation Technologies Outcomes Research, a part of the Center of Bionic Medicine. Members of the research team include engineers, neuroscientists, physicians, therapists, and additional staff in the rehabilitation community. The center’s overarching goal is to inform clinical practice through rigorous quantitative research.

The Post-Doctoral Fellow will collect and analyze physiological data from developing infants and young children in the laboratory, clinic, and home settings. This position is supported by a collaborative foundational grant to detect and intervene for children with neuromotor delays or deficits.

A successful applicant should have a background in biomedical research, engineering, or a related discipline with knowledge or interest in neuroscience and machine learning. Ideal candidates would also have strong computational skills, with proficiency in MATLAB or Python. A moderate level of independence will be expected, including the ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Previous experience in video-based pose estimation OR analyzing physiological sensor-based data (such as from accelerometers, gyroscopes, EMG, or ECG) is preferred. Due to the intermittent need to collect or supervise collection of data in the clinic and home settings, some flexibility in schedule is required.

The Post Doctoral Fellow 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 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. Design, execute, and interpret research pertaining to measuring infant neuromotor development using wearable sensor technology and/or video recordings.
2. Assist with development of collaborative projects within and outside the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and test ideas for new projects development.
3. Apply for fellowships and grants for external lab funding and career development.
4. Develop, submit and publish the results of research projects in high quality journals and present data to public conferences/seminars when needed.
5. Participate weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars.
6. Build and maintain a well-organized and accountable journal of own laboratory protocols, experiments, results and analyses.
7. Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Required Skills Required Experience

1. Doctoral degree (PhD) and relevant research experience in physical therapy, prosthetics, physiology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
2. Knowledge and understanding of outcomes research, exercise training, human physiology, and biomechanics and motor control of human locomotion.
3. Practical experience using motion capture equipment and software, clinical assessment tools, exercise training  including body-weight support treadmill training, Vo2 analysis, isokinetic dynamometry.
4. Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, research subjects, team members and project collaborators.
5. Analytical skills to select and interpret tests appropriate for the research.
6. Communication skills necessary to write detailed explanatory reports and articles and to verbally communicate results of research at meetings and conferences.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Associate Director, Max Nader Lab

Working Conditions

1. General laboratory setting with clinical tools like body weight support treadmills, exoskeletons and prosthetics facilities.
2. Workspace equipped with stairs, treadmill, incline ramp, overhead harness system, exercise equipment etc. to perform ambulation activities. 
3. Fabrication and assembly area with occasional exposure to loud noises, unpleasant odors and dust. Appropriate personal protective gear and environmental systems are provided.
4. Ability to move equipment and materials as needed.

 About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the first-ever "translational" research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together to advance Human Ability.

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.

Click here to learn more about SRAlab Research

Click here to learn more about the Max Näder Center for Rehabilitation Technologies and Outcomes Research

Principal Investigator: Arun Jayaraman