Research Technologist 2 – Neuroprosthetics

Chicago, IL     ·      Full time

Conducts experimental research lab work and/or assists in design of one or more specific phase(s) of entire project(s). May complete mathematical calculations, and/or computer tasks and/or assist in judging validity of data. Follows appropriate protocols, policies, procedures, regulations, Good Clinical and Good Laboratory Practices.

The Slutzky Lab is seeking a research technologist 2 to join the research team in developing neural prostheses, including myoelectric computer interfaces (MyoCIs) and brain machine interfaces (BMIs) to help people with severe motor impairment from neurologic disorders. We are weeking a highly motivated individual to start work on a project using a wearable, home-based MyoCI game to rehabilitate arm motor function in people with stroke. This project at Northwestern and the Shirley Ryan Abilit Lab (SRALab) is multidisciplinary and involves external collaboration. We collaborate closely with several other neuroprosthetics laboratories at Northwestern and SRALab, thus providing tremendous educational and networking opportunities.

Responsibilities include executing experiments, recruiting and scheduling patients with stroke, data collection and analysis (including EMGs and arm kinematics), maintaining records, and maintaining inventory.

More information on the Slutzky Lab can be reviewed at http://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/slutzky/.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Following protocols, designs, sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improve processes, validity and/or accuracy.
• Using a fully functioning level of skill, completes the following activities:
  • Other (please specify):
    • Assist with execution of neural prosthetics experiments in humans with stroke and traumatic brain injury. This involves recording EMGs and EEGs
    • Basic data analysis using Matlab
• Administration
  • Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting & entering data.
  • Manipulates, interprets &/or presents results.
  • Prepares charts & graphs for presentations & publications.
  • Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts & publications.
• Finance
  • Tracks & summarizes lab supply expenses.
  • Orders &/or maintains inventory of reagent supplies.
• Miscellaneous
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in a scientific major or related;
• OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated laboratory experience, minimum of two years;
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
• Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
• Attention to detail and accurate record keeping;
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment;

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in neuroscience, physiology, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or related fields
• Experience with EMG recordings or other neuroprosthetics application
• Experience with clinical trials/human subjects research

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Excellent communication skills
• Background in neuroscience and basic signal processing
• Proficiency with Matlab and/or Python

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Please click here to apply