Research Assistant (2 Years Fixed-Term) (Multiple Positions)

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: .

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):

• General 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.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University 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 responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; 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, .

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 ( ) 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.