Post Doctoral Fellow - Office of Translational Research

The Post-Doctoral Fellow in Rehabilitation Technologies Outcomes Research is responsible for the development and execution of both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated research in prosthetics, rehab robotics, orthotics and other assistive and adaptive technologies to treat physical disability. The applicant will be part of the Max Nader Center for Rehab Technologies Outcomes Research, a part of the Center of Bionic Medicine. The center's overarching goal is ultimately, to inform clinical practice through rigorous quantitative research. The center will be the first of its kind to combine the newest advances in research methods, functional quantitative outcome measures, and statistical analyses to improve the real-world use of medical technology.

The successful applicant must have a strong clinical outcomes research or rehabilitation sciences background and have experience in both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures research.

The project is led by the Director of the Max Nader Lab. The Center for Bionic Medicine research team includes neuroscientists, physicians, physical therapists, engineers, prosthetists, and occupational therapists.

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

The Post Doctoral Fellow:

1. Responsible for quantitative and qualitative outcomes research in area of rehabilitation, prosthetics, orthotics, assistive and engineering technology.

2. Must work in close consultation with engineering, prosthetists, and therapists to plan, achieve and test new paradigms in assistive technology.

3. Participates in regular development meetings with supervising team members.

4. Keeps informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise; offers suggestions regarding continuing development of outcomes research.

5. Participates in research activities.

6. Work with Lab director to identify, propose, and develop innovative research projects that meet the mission of the Max Nader Center that builds upon existing findings, challenges current thinking, and dovetails ongoing work at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and within other institutions.

7. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

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.