Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Date: August 2023

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

School: Medicine

Location: Old Brooklyn Health Center

Supervisor Names and Titles: James Sulzer, Associate Professor and James (Cole) Galloway, Full Professor

General Summary

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to innovate in community-based rehabilitation. The primary project is leading the efforts towards the Metro Café, a body weight support system nested within a functioning café as a novel enriched therapeutic environment for individuals with severe brain injury. The Postdoc will have input on developing own projects fit to their interest, skills and available time.

The postdoc will interact regularly with a unique blend of team members, including experts in physiatry, neuropsychology, engineering, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, caregiving and lived experience with adult and pediatric traumatic brain injury.

A successful applicant should have a background in engineering, kinesiology, or biomechanics, with an interest in neurotherapy and vocational rehabilitation. Ideal candidates will have strong computational, statistical and mechatronics skills.  A moderate level of independence will be expected, including the ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Previous experience with motion capture technology and analyzing sensor-based data (such as from IMUs) is strongly preferred.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will exhibit important attributes: communication, respect for others, adaptability, empathy, curiosity, humility, collaboration, persistence, creativity, and initiative.  

The applicant will work at the MetroHealth Center for Rehabilitation Research, associated with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

  1. Experience: 0+
  2. Education/Licensing: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Human Movement Science, Neuroscience or equivalent
  3. Experience in human subjects research
  4. Matlab and/or Python proficiency
  5. Less than 2 years of postdoctoral training.
  6. Ability to independently manage a project
  7. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
  8. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. 
  9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making. 
  10. Ability to make timely plans and to coordinate project completions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  1. Design, execute, and interpret research pertaining to community-based rehabilitation
  2. Apply for fellowships and grants for external lab funding and career development.
  3. Develop, submit and publish the results of research projects in high quality journals and present data to public conferences/seminars when needed.
  4. Participate weekly lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars.
  5. Build and maintain a well-organized and accountable journal of own laboratory protocols, experiments, results and analyses.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  1. Attend department and school education and outreach activities

 

CONTACTS

Department: continuous (>66%)

University: infrequent (up to 5%)       

External: moderate (16-30%)

Students: moderate (16-30%)

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise undergraduates and/or clinical residents

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

No special working conditions, but will be spending time in hospital environment.

 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

APPLICATION

To apply please email Prof. James Sulzer directly at jss280@case.edu