Research Professional 1

Position Summary:

The researcher will join our exciting collaborative, team-based research in the Movement Disorders Lab at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, MN (https://movementdisorderslab.umn.edu/). The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to strong teamwork and taking initiative in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The successful applicant will be mentored by Dr. Sommer Amundsen-Huffmaster (a bioengineer) and Dr. Colum MacKinnon (a neurophysiologist) in the Neurology Department. The researcher will be involved in multiple studies. The successful applicant will be involved in the collection, processing and analysis of data acquired from quantitative motor tasks (e.g., gait initiation) using motion capture, force plate, electromyography, electroencephalography, and recording from deep brain stimulators. The researcher will also be responsible for organizing digital and paper datasets, and processing data for various studies across the Movement Disorders Laboratory (including studies from both Drs. MacKinnon and Amundsen-Huffmaster).

The position will also involve running and maintaining specialized equipment and computers for the lab and offices (i.e., updating licenses and drivers, assisting trainees and staff with remote access, and other computer issues, etc.). There will be opportunities to learn and participate in a variety of data collection systems and analyses from our collaborative projects. This position is temporary for 1 year, with possibility of renewal (2-5 years).

Duties/Responsibilities:

50% Research Coordination:
*Assist running computers for quantitative motor assessments (motion capture, force plates, wearable sensors, etc.).
*Run electrodes test.
*Assisting on placement of electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) electrodes.
*Ensuring the safety of research participants by belaying a safety harness and pulley system.
*Assist research participants in a wheelchair.
*Assisting with participant engagement, including informal conversations to help build rapport and support data collection.
* Providing logistical support during research sessions, including coordinating and picking up meals as needed.

25% Data processing and analysis:
*Processing data in MATLAB/R environments.
*Analyze data in MATLAB/R environments.
*Possibility of writing and reviewing documents associated with the data collections and analysis.

15% Data management:
*Backing up, organizing, and maintaining datasets.

10% Equipment and computer maintenance:
*Maintaining and troubleshooting specialized equipment (including motion capture systems, electroencephalography, electromyography, and other equipment).
*Maintaining and updating lab and office computers (updating licenses and drivers, and other needs as they arise).
*Assisting other lab members with technological issues.

Required Qualifications:
*Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, kinesiology, neuroscience, biostatistics, computer engineering, or similar field OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
*Experience in research.
*Experience with data collections and/or data management and/or regulatory management (Institutional Review Board).

Preferred Qualifications:
*Master's degree in biomedical engineering, kinesiology, neuroscience, biostatistics, computer engineering, or similar field.
*Trained in EEG, EMG, or other quantitative motor or neurophysiological data collection method.
*Experience coding in MATLAB and/or R.
*Comfortable with computers and technology.

The Movement Disorder Lab has many studies including (1) the Udall Center of Excellence Project 2 studies, (2) a clinical trial testing the neurophysiology of the vestibular, cortical, and pallidal systems during gait initiation in people with PD and FOG, (3) a clinical trial assessing the neural changes associated with motor impairments in people with REM
sleep behavior disorder, and (4) many other experiments.

These experiments are supported in part by an NIH R01 on the Neurophysiology of Impaired Transitions in Parkinson's Disease with Freezing of Gait (PI Dr. Amundsen-Huffmaster) and two NIH R01s on the Neurophysiology of Motor Impairments in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and early Parkinson's Disease (PI: Dr. MacKinnon). To learn more, please visit https://movementdisorderslab.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $22.25/hr - $23/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).