Date September 17, 2024
Title: Senior Research Associate
Department: Biomedical Engineering
School: Medicine
Location: Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Supervisor Name and Title: Hamid Charkhkar PhD, Assistant Professor Biomedical Engineering
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The candidate will assume various research roles, including designing experiments, conducting data collection and analysis, managing research projects, and assisting in the supervision of technical staff and junior personnel. They will significantly contribute to preparing and submitting scientific papers to refereed journals and grant proposals to funding agencies such as NIH and VA. This role requires strong communication, collaboration, neural interfacing, mathematical analysis, human subject research, and critical-thinking skills. Additional responsibilities include preparing and presenting regular progress reports to funding agencies, contributing to the development of novel medical devices and restorative technologies in the lab, and fostering collaborations with other research teams both within and outside CWRU.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Plan and execute experiments for research projects designed by the principal investigator (PI) and independently, when needed, in collaboration with the PI. Coordinate research efforts with internal and external partners, participants, and collaborators. (20%)
2. Oversee research project progress with minimal supervision, providing regular updates to the PI. Offer input and recommendations on significant developments and ensure the PI’s experimental strategies are implemented by lab members and through your own independent experiments. Manage daily priorities of research staff as directed by the PI, ensuring timely project completion. (15%)
3. Conduct experiments to gather scientific data for larger research projects, focusing on biomechanical and neurophysiological factors involved in human gait and balance. Maintain accurate records and present findings and recommendations to the PI. (15%)
4. Assist the PI in developing, and independently refine, advanced techniques and protocols. Train lab members on new methods, assess the adequacy of current techniques, and test new procedures and analyses. (10%)
5. Supervise research assistants and technicians, ensuring adherence to lab procedures and safety protocols. Manage staff goals, provide coaching, and address training needs for efficient project completion. (10%)
6. Present findings at lab and scientific meetings. Prepare manuscripts and contribute data for grant proposals. (10%)
7. Independently lead research projects, compile data, and create publication-ready figures. Collaborate with the PI and lab members in writing manuscripts, maintaining the highest standards of research integrity. (15%)
8. Regularly assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the lab. (5%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Perform other duties as assigned.
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with PI and lab members, may work with physical therapy staff and other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed
University: Regular contact with other labs for collaboration and with other departments as needed
External: Regular contact with research participants, staff, career scientists, and clinicians at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA. Occasional contacts with partners in industry and other research institutes to establish new collaborations
Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working in the lab
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise research assistants and technicians. However, the ultimate authority remains with the PI regarding hiring or terminating contracts or any other decisions affecting personnel payments and benefits. Will train and provide oversight to lab staff and students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of post-degree experience in peripheral neuromodulation in human subjects, biomechanics, neural control of locomotion and balance, rehabilitation engineering, and managing long-term (6+ month) interventions. Must have demonstrated success working within multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians (surgeons, therapists, nurses), basic science researchers, engineers, and trainees in clinical research and rehabilitation settings.
Education/Licensing: PhD in Biomedical Engineering.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
1. Expertise in collecting, processing, analyzing, and interpreting locomotor data from devices such as force plates, inertial measurement units, and EMG.
2. Proven experience in neural stimulation design and delivery to restore function or sensation, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
3. Current certification in human subject protection, data security, safety, and good clinical practices, with clinical testing experience in individuals with impaired locomotion.
4. Experience managing research involving human clinical trials.
5. Research background in neurorehabilitation.
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Sr. Research Associate
6. Extensive knowledge of peripheral nerve function and neurophysiology.
7. Experience assessing assistive or restorative technologies quantitatively and qualitatively.
8. Familiarity with regulatory processes, protocol development, and working with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).
9. Experience preparing and submitting grant proposals.
10. Strong analytical skills with the ability to derive findings and make recommendations from data.
11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse individuals inside and outside the university.
12. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, scientists, engineers, faculty, and students.
13. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively in high-pressure environments.
14. Demonstrated leadership ability, including training and leading team members. 15. Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. 16. Effective problem-solving skills with creativity, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities.
17. Proficiency with computers and experience in MATLAB, R, or other data analysis software; ability to learn new programs as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment for this job is indoors and primarily computer based. Therefore, there will be a large amount of time spent at a desk. There will be frequent visits to Case Campus to interact with other Engineers and Faculty members, as well as to access specialized laboratory equipment. The research associate will work directly with human research subjects at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. There will be occasional travel to conferences and professional meetings.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested applicants should submit a CV to Hamid Charkhkar at hxc506@case.edu
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.