Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the areas of computational motor control and human-robot interactions. Our research addresses fundamental questions with behavioral and modeling approaches with extensions to both clinical and robotic applications. The candidate is expected to participate one or more lines of research, including projects on the control of complex objects in healthy and clinical populations, specifically stroke patients, and the interrelation of timing in motor skills and perceptual tasks. We have several collaborators on these projects, including Pawan Sinha at MIT, Alireza Ramezani at Northeastern, Joo-Hyun Song at Brown University, and David Lin at Massachusetts General Hospital. The research is supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

The Action Lab’s interdisciplinary research program addresses questions in motor control from the perspective of dynamical system, bridging disciplinary approaches from neuroscience, nonlinear dynamics, biomechanics, engineering, and psychology. The Action Lab is affiliated with the Departments of Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics as well as the Institute of Experiential Robotics at Northeastern University. The university is located in the heart of Boston, which provides a stimulating intellectual environment for interdisciplinary research.

Key Responsibilities

The postdoc is expected to perform experimental and computational research in human motor neuroscience and human-robot interaction. This research includes preparing and writing scientific papers, grant proposals, presentations, and other scientific activities. In addition, he/she is expected to train and supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students and help in the laboratory management and miscellaneous administrative responsibilities. The appointment generally does not extend beyond three years.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should have training in research methodology and quantitative data analysis, and the ability to plan and execute research. Excellent verbal, and written communication skills, with attention to details is required. Previous supervisory experience is desired. The candidate should have graduate training in one of the following disciplines: Computational Motor Neuroscience, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, or Experimental Psychology. The applicant should demonstrate an academic record of scientific excellence, independent research, and a strong interest in an interdisciplinary approach to human motor control. Experience in programming is expected (Matlab, Python, C++, Statistics packages, etc.). He/she will get involved in existing research projects but is also encouraged to bring to bear his/her expertise and interest into the generation of new research projects.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vita, including a list of publications, and two letters of recommendation to [email protected]. Hiring will start as soon as possible and continue until the position is filled.

For more information about ongoing projects please visit our website: https://actionlab.sites.northeastern.edu.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .