Post-Doctoral Associate

Title of project: Udall Center - Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Research Position

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the execution of experiments examining the effects of globus pallidus deep brain stimulation on motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. These experiments are supported by a NIH P50 Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson's Disease Research grant to the University of Minnesota (https://udall.umn.edu). The position will involve: (1) the collection, processing and analysis of data acquired from quantitative motor tasks (gait, gait initiation, bradykinesia, rigidity, etc.) using motion capture, force plate, electromyography, and a variety of data acquisition systems and (2) application of biophysical models of deep brain stimulation to examine the pathways mediating treatment effects. The candidate must have a strong background in signal processing, data analyses (in both time and frequency domains) and programming (e.g. MatLab) and have experience with the collection of movement or imaging data in humans. Experience with biophysical modeling of deep brain stimulation is preferred, but not a requirement. The research position, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota career development training programs, will provide opportunities for mentorship in scientific writing and grantsmanship, outreach and communication.

Duties/Responsibilities
The postdoctoral position will be supervised and mentored by Dr. Colum MacKinnon, in the Department of Neurology (https://movementdisorderslab.umn.edu/). Duties and responsibilities include:
* Participate in the collection, processing and analyses of data acquired as part of multiple team-based research projects, with a primary focus on experiments for Project 2 of the Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson's Disease Research grant. (70%)
* Prepare and present data to study investigators periodically at laboratory or Udall Center meetings and journal clubs. (5%)
* Contribute to the preparation of reports, IRB submissions, and grants and authorship of conference papers, posters and journal articles. (15%)
* Mentor undergraduate students on research projects. (5%)
* Participate in career training/development programs. (5%)

This position could be at a minimum of a two year appointment with the possibility of extension.

Required Qualifications
* PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering (or related engineering field), Kinesiology (or related human movement science degree), Neuroscience, or similarly related field
* Experience in the collection of data in human participants (e.g. individuals with neurological disorders) and the procedures for maintaining patient confidentiality (HIPAA and CITI training will be provided)
* Experience in the processing and analyses of kinematic, kinetic or EMG/EEG data.
* Proficient at programming in Matlab, R, and/or similar programs
* Good communication and writing skills
* Good organizational and procedural skills
* Team player, willing to help and collaborate on other projects

Preferred Qualifications
* Experience with, or interest in, learning modeling neural pathways related to deep brain stimulation.
* Proficiency in the processing and frequency-domain analysis of local field potential data
* Proficiency in statistical analyses of multivariate data sets

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.