Research Scientist

Stanford, CA      ·      Full time

The Human Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab 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 scientist to join a dynamic and fun diverse group of the Principle Investigator, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and research assistants.

The goal of the research in the laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. 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. This has enabled us to reverse engineer brain circuitry and restore movement in Parkinson’s disease using the first closed loop, demand-based brain pacemakers that respond to neural and kinematic markers of movement impairment.

The position involves assisting the Principal Investigator with directing research, writing grants, human subject interaction and testing, organization and analysis of electrophysiological and kinematic data, and publication of results. Projects include investigation of novel closed loop deep brain stimulation based on neural and kinematic biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease, discovery of neural biomarkers of behavior and motor symptoms from local field potentials (LFPs), quantification of behavior via wearables, and characterization of the cognitive-motor syndrome using behavioral and neuroimaging analysis for a new neurostimulation target. The desired candidate is a self-motivated, independent worker who is interested in facilitating the development of new research avenues in the areas of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The ideal candidate would have a PhD in neuroscience, engineering (neuro, biomedical, mechanical, electrical), or a similar field with a strong quantitative background, as well as post-doctoral or similar post-graduate experience. Previous experience in deep brain stimulation, motor control, gait, kinematics, neuroimaging, and/or movement disorders is a plus.

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.

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.
• Supervise staff or students as needed, including oversight and instruction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work.
• Designing experiments, exercising independent initiative and judgment gained from completing a variety of high-level assignments, including activities such as defining variables, formulating hypotheses, and selecting subjects, sources of information, or planned and coordinating experimental protocols.
• Writing grant proposals and manage external collaborations with the lab.
• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific or statistical techniques.
• Authoring and co-authoring research publications.
• Select and apply standard calculations and formulas independently to compile data or process documents; often serve as a resource for research methods and numerical analyses.
• Complete project-related administrative and budgetary responsibilities of a limited scope as needed.
• Other duties may also be assigned

Required:  

• PhD in neuroscience, engineering (neuro, biomedical, mechanical, electrical), or a similar field
• Strong quantitative background
• Post-doctoral or similar post-graduate experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Parkinson’s disease or other related movement disorders/clinical populations
• Expertise in motor control and neurophysiology
• Experience analyzing neurophysiological (e.g., LFP, EEG, MEG, EMG, etc.) and/or kinematic (e.g., IMU) data
• Proficient in Matlab, Python, or similar programming languages
• Familiar with version control (e.g., Git, Github, etc.)
• Desire to take initiative, solve problems, and handle substantial responsibility
• Experience and aptitude with writing manuscripts and grants
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to work well in a team

Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the  diversity of its faculty and academic staff. It welcomes nominations of and applications from women and members of minority groups, as well as  others who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

As an organization that receives federal funding, Stanford University has a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy

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