Research Assistant (2 Years Fixed-Term) (MultiplePositions)

The Human Motor Control and

Neuromodulation Lab under Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart is part of the

Stanford Movement Disorders Center within the Department of

Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University School

of Medicine. We are seeking an experienced, full-time research

assistant to join a dynamic and fun diverse group of post-doctoral

fellows, graduate students, research scientists, and research

assistants. This is a 2-year position.

The goal of the

research in the laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of

movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease to create more

effective therapies. At Stanford, innovations in neural interface

technology have allowed us to discover how abnormal electrical

brain activity contributes to disorders in movement. In the Human

Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab, the first decoding of

electrical activity in deep brain structures during abnormal

movement in Parkinson’s disease patients was performed using novel

and investigative sensing neurostimulators. Our team has

deconstructed brain activity to discover the neural code

responsible for the abnormality of walking in Parkinson’s disease

and can predict debilitating freezing events that can cause falls,

significant morbidity, and even death. We are currently working to

restore movement in Parkinson’s disease using real-time closed-loop

deep brain stimulation that responds to subcortical neural signals

or kinematic signals from wearable sensors in a demand-based

fashion. Additional projects include the development of a remote

monitoring tool for Parkinson’s disease and other disorders which

recently received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, as well as a

pilot clinical trial for treating cognitive impairment in

Parkinson’s disease using a novel approach for deep brain

stimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert. The current position

offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated and

intellectually curious individual to participate in rewarding and

cutting-edge research in human motor control and neurophysiology in

Parkinson’s disease. There are also additional exploratory projects

in the areas of traumatic brain injury, concussion in athletics,

Alzheimer’s disease, Major Depressive Disorder, and Dementia with

Lewy Bodies.

The

position involves direct human subject interaction and testing, the

collection, organization and analysis of electrophysiological and

kinematic data, and participation in the publication of results.

The candidate will participate in the submission and renewal of

Institutional Review Board and grant applications in conjunction

with the research team and the PI. The desired candidate is a

self-motivated, independent worker who is interested in

facilitating the development of new research avenues. The ideal

candidate would have a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or

engineering (biomedical, mechanical, electrical), or a similar

field. Previous experience in motor control, gait, kinematics,

neuroimaging, and / or movement disorders is a plus.

Check out the lab

website for additional details on team members, publications, and

ongoing research projects :

http : / / med.stanford.edu / bronte-stewart-lab.html .

Duties

include

Plan

and perform research tasks requiring initiative and judgment by

applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory

when precedents do not provide specific guidance. General

instruction provided by the supervisor as needed. May interpret

study results in collaboration with supervisor or

PI.

Participate in the

development and administration of survey instruments and rating

scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures.

Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the

accuracy and validity of

data.

Review and audit

case report forms for completion and accuracy with source

documents, and ensure compliance with research protocols.

Identify, select,

extract and summarize data and structured information. Present

summary of findings to

supervisor.

Conduct

literature searches, and write literature summaries and

manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor

outlines conceptual approach.

Build and organize

data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use

common statistical programs to generate and organize

data.

Adapt new,

nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and

evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational

materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality

control procedures and processes). May follow up with Institutional

Review Board (IRB) to ensure renewals are approved and completed,

seeking guidance where

necessary.

Assist with

development, communication and design of research findings to

internal and external audiences, which may include web updates,

social media, and / or white papers, for use in recruitment,

educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from

supervisor.

May

orient and train new staff or

students.

• Other duties may also be

assigned.

DESIRED

QUALIFICATIONS : Experience

with MATLAB, Python, R, or

similar.

Experience

analyzing quantitative data, such as kinematics and / or

neural / electrophysiological

signals.

Experience

interacting with patients and / or research

subjects.

Strong

academic credentials and intellectual creativity.

Desire to take

initiatives, solve problems, and handle substantial responsibility.

Ability to

successfully juggle and prioritize among multiple projects.

Attention to details.

Ability to

prioritize.

Excellent

analytical skills.

Ability to work well

in a team.

Strong work

ethic.

EDUCATION

& EXPERIENCE

(REQUIRED) : Bachelor’s

degree in a related field (e.g., Neuroscience,

Biomedical / mechanical / electrical

engineering)

KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(REQUIRED) : Bachelor’s

understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained

through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.

General computer

skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer

programs.

Ability to

work under deadlines with general

guidance.

Excellent

organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed

work

accurately.

Effective

oral and written communication

skills.

Ability to

work with human study

participants.

PHYSICAL

REQUIREMENTS

Frequently

perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly / fine manipulation,

lift / carry / push / pull objects that weigh up to 10

pounds.

Occasionally

stand / walk, sit, use a telephone, writing by hand, and sort / file

paperwork or

parts.

Rarely

twist / bend / stoop / squat, kneel / crawl, rarely reach / work above

shoulders, and operates foot and / or hand

controls.

will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a

disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential

functions of his or her

job.

WORKING

CONDITIONS : May

be exposed to blood borne

pathogens.

May be

required to work non-standard, extended or weekend hours in support

of research

work.

WORK

STANDARDS : Interpersonal

Skills : Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford

colleagues and clients and with external

organizations.

Promote

Culture of Safety : Demonstrates commitment to personal

uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons

learned.

Subject to

and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and

procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and

other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

http : / / adminguide.stanford.edu .

The

expected pay range for this position is $34.00 to $34.61 per

hour.

Stanford

University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate

of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.

The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on

factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities

of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate,

departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic

location and external market pay for comparable

jobs.

At

Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the

comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website

( https : / / cardinalatwork.stanford.edu / benefits-rewards )

provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of

benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the

rewards package for this position may be discussed during the

hiring

process.

Consistent

with its obligations under the law, the University will provide

reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with

disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for

any part of the application or hiring process should contact

Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a

contact

form .

Stanford

is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment

without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,

gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran

status, or any other characteristic protected by

law.

The

job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by

positions in this job classification and are not designed to

contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all

duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and

responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs

without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level

of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as

assigned.