Position for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Motor Neuroscience

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the area of computational motor neuroscience. Our research addresses fundamental questions on human motor control, with extensions to clinical applications and human-robot interactions. The candidate is expected to participate one or more lines of research, including projects on the human control of complex objects in healthy and clinical populations, specifically stroke and autism, and the interrelation of timing in motor skills and perceptual tasks. We have several collaborators on these projects, including Pawan Sinha at MIT, 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 has state-of-the-art experimental equipment, including 3D motion capture, three virtual reality set-ups, two robot manipulanda, force plates and wireless EMG. We also use brain measurement and stimulation techniques, such as EEG and TMS. For more information about ongoing projects please visit our Research Page.

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 located in 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.

Candidates should have graduate training in one of the following disciplines: Computational Motor Neuroscience, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical or Computer Engineering, 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, 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 d.sternad@northeastern.edu. Hiring will start as soon as possible and continue until the position is filled.

Positions for Graduate and Undergraduate Students

 We are currently seeking highly qualified graduate students to join our research in the Action Lab on the control and coordination of movements. Our lab is equipped with 3D motion capture device, a virtual environment for the study of interceptive tasks, a closed-loop torque motor set-up for investigating bimanual coordination, EMG, and other small custom-made devices. Student applicants from a variety of backgrounds are well suited to pursue our interdisciplinary research: Degrees can include biology, engineering, psychology, physics and computer science.