Postdoctoral Fellowship in Movement Neuroscience/Biomechanics


Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Organization: Movement Neuroscience Laboratory,
Kinesiology Department
Penn State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Posted: 12/4/00
Deadline: 1/15/01


Description:

The Movement Neuroscience Laboratory is located within the Kinesiology
department at Pennsylvania State University. Our research program is focused
on discerning the neural mechanisms underlying control of multijoint
reaching movements in humans. Our techniques employ both psychophysical
experiments and biomechanical simulations to determine the neural processes
underlying control of the complex mechanics of the musculoskeletal system.
The laboratory is equipped for 3-Dimensional kinematic recordings,
electromyographic recordings, force plate recordings for isometric studies,
and provides high end computer workstations for computational simulations.
Custom software, developed within our laboratory, are used to interface this
equipment. The main experimental set-up for the current project employs the
flock of birds movement sensors in combination with real-time projected
displays of limb movement that provide a computer-game interface for
controlling experiments.

The Position:

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our
studies examining neural control of limb dynamics. This project is funded by
NIH, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, and examines the
neural mechanisms underlying handedness. The proposed studies build on our
recent findings, which indicate interlimb disparities in the control of
intersegmental dynamics (Sainburg and Kalakanis, 2000). Funding is available
for 2-5 years.

Salary is contingent on educational background & experience.

Qualifications:

Applicants will be expected to hold an earned doctorate in Kinesiology,
Neuroscience, Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline,
with a record of research in Motor Control, Neuroscience, Kinesiology,
Biomechanics, or related field. The ideal candidate will augment our group's
expertise in psychophysical experiment techniques, kinematic analysis,
neuromechanical analysis (inverse and forward dynamics), electromyographic
recordings, and computer modeling. Any single or combination of these
skills will be considered a strength.

Penn State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Woman and minority applicants are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent
on eligibility to work in the United States.

The Department:

The applicant will benefit from the rich, collaborative environment in the
department of Kinesiology at Penn State. In addition to direct mentorship
and collaboration with Dr. Robert Sainburg, collaborators in this project
include Dr. Mark Latash and Dr. John Challis. Frequently, our seminar series
invite world renowned researchers to Penn State. In addition, our research
environment includes : The Center for Locomotion Studies (CELOS) under the
directiorship of Dr. Peter Cavanagh, the Biomechanics
Laboratory, directed by Dr. Vladmir Zatsiorsky, the Motor Control
Laboratory, directed by Dr. Mark Latash, the Action Laboratory, directed by
Dr. Dagmar Sternad, the Psychophysiology of movement Laboratory, directed by
Dr. Semyon Slobounov, Dr. Karl Newell¹s Motor Control and Learning
Laboratory, the Sensorimotor Development Laboratory of Dr. Jan Visser, the
Perception and Movement Laboratory, directed by Dr. David Rosenbaum
(Psychology Department), and the world renowned Noll Physiology
Laboratories.

The University and Life

State College provides a metropolitan atmosphere in a small town
environment. It is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, and is surrounded by
a beautiful rural atmosphere. Outdoor activities are generally free and are
minutes away, including swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, alpine
and cross country skiing, snowshoing, etc. Penn State nurtures a rich
performing arts atmosphere, providing an abundance of plays, shows, and
concerts. Penn State hosts many artistic and political events. In short, the
atmosphere is stimulating and fun. Cost of living is low, while quality of
living is high.

Contact:

Please send a letter, vita, and the names, addresses and email addresses of
3-4 references to:

Robert L. Sainburg, Ph.D.
266 Rec Hall, Department of Kinesiology, Penn State University
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-7937 rls45@psu.edu

Selected Publications:
Sainburg, R.L. and Kalakanis, D. Differences in control of limb dynamics
during dominant and non-dominant arm reaching. J. Neurophysiol.
83:2661-2675, 2000.
Sainburg, R.L., Kalakanis, D. and Ghez, C. Intersegmental dynamics are
controlled by sequential anticipatory, error correction, and positional
control mechanisms. J. Neurophysiology 81: 1045-1056, 1999.
Ghez, C., Krakauer, J., Sainburg, R.L., Ghilardi, M.F. Spatial
representations and internal models of limb dynamics in motor learning. The
New Cognitive Neurosciences, second edition. Eds. Gazzaniga, M.S. MIT Press,
Cambridge MA, 1999.
Sainburg, R.L., Ghilardi, M.F., Poizner, H., and Ghez, C. The Control of
limb dynamics in normal subjects and patients without proprioception. J.
Neurophysiology 73:2 820-835, 1995

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