The Department of Physical Therapy in the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to study the neuromechanics of walking in individuals post-stroke. This postdoctoral position funded by the NIH is available June 1st, 2023 through May 31st, 2025. We are seeking highly motivated individuals to participate in interdisciplinary research involving the areas of neuroscience, biomechanics, physiology and machine learning applied to neurorehabilitation. In collaboration with experts in the fields of physical therapy, neuroscience, engineering, the candidate will be involved in securing future funding for associated projects. We offer excellent research infrastructure and the opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and ambitious academic environment.

The Department of Physical Therapy program is located on the Rinker Health Science campus in Irvine, California. This campus is designed to foster an inter-professional educational environment and to use cutting edge technology in teaching and practice. The campus features state of the art facilities, including a human cadaver anatomy laboratory, advanced learning center with innovative technology, Grand Rounds auditorium with 3D projection capabilities, multi-sized classrooms, a medical library, and collaborative work centers. The campus is home to several accredited graduate health science professional programs, including Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Doctor of Pharmacy.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The university achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities. Our faculty include academic leaders who excel in research, publishing and world-class teaching in our 11 schools and colleges, including the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Dedicated to forward-looking, personalized education, we create an environment for unlimited achievement by both our students and faculty. More information about the university and Crean College is available at https://www.chapman.edu/crean/index.aspx.

The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University is available at https://www.chapman.edu/diversity.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on data collection and processing of two studies of locomotor function in individuals post-stroke, and implement algorithms and develop pipelines for multi-dimensional data analyses. The successful candidate will draft scientific manuscripts and prepare scientific presentations of research findings, as well as prepare proposals for extramural funding. Resources available to the post-doctoral candidate are shown here: https://www.gaitbehaviorlab.com/.

- Ph.D. in in kinesiology, neuroscience, biomedical or mechanical engineering, bioengineering or related fields.
- Excellent programming skills in MATLAB or Python.

- Previous experience in biomechanics data collection and data analysis

- Highly skilled in bio-signal data collection and analysis

- Experience of conducting biomechanical experiments in humans

- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams

- Excellent written and oral communication skills

Qualified candidates are invited to electronically submit the following:

1) Please download and fill out our Post Doc Application.  Please upload the completed document under the Required Documents section.

2) Cover letter indicating academic accomplishments, areas of training and expertise, and goals for postdoctoral training

3) Curriculum Vitae

4) Reprints of 2-3 publications or other scholarly work

5) Three references with contact information

Inquiries can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Natalia Sanchez, PhD at sanchezaldana@chapman.edu cc to Search Coordinators San White sawhite@chapman.edu and Eddie De La Torre edelatorre@chapman.edu and use “PT Sanchez Postdoc Fellow Position” as the email subject line.

The position is initially a two-year appointment funded by two NIH grants. The position can be renewed if the applicant obtains extramural funding. Evaluation of applications will begin on May 1st, 2023. The position will be available from June 1, 2023, and will remain open until filled. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. This position is contingent upon final budget approval.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.

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