Job Code: 4189
Job Grade: E

The Stanford Human Motor Control and Balance laboratory 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 international group of post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and research scientists.

The goal of the research in the laboratory is to understand the pathophysiology of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and tremor. The current focus of the lab is to investigate the neural signatures of movement disorders using cortical and subcortical local field potential recordings, quantitative kinematics, dynamic posturography, and gait analysis in human subjects with deep brain stimulators. There are also motor control projects involving freezing behavior in Parkinson’s disease and kinematics of other movement disorders. This 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.

The position involves direct human subject interaction and testing, the collection and analysis of electrophysiological and kinematic data, maintaining the database and participation in the publication of results. The candidate will participate in the submission and renewal of Institutional Review Board applications in conjunction with PIs. The desired candidate is a self-motivated, independent worker who is capable of developing new research avenues.

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 requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing 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 using MATLAB.
• Experience with statistics.
• Experience interacting with patients and/ or research subject.s
• Experience using graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator or similar.
• 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.
• Strong work ethic.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor of Arts degree in an applicable social science related field, or combination of education and relevant experience in an applicable social science. 

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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.