Postdoctoral Research Fellow - The Cognitive-Motor Behavior Lab

SUMMARY

The Cognitive-Motor Behavior Lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (Principal Investigator: Dr. Prudence Plummer) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar (40 hours per week) to work on clinical and rehabilitation research in multiple sclerosis (MS). The position is funded by a National MS Society Mentor-Based Postdoctoral Training Grant.

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for aspects of project management across several types of projects, new project design and development, data analysis, and dissemination activities. Initially, the postdoctoral fellow will play a crucial role in managing an ongoing clinical trial of combined pharmacological and rehabilitation interventions in people with MS and other studies investigating mechanisms of fatigue, visual attention during postural control tasks, and intervention-related clinical outcomes under different models of care. Information about the lab and projects can be found here: https://www.mghihp.edu/research/labs-facilities/cognitive-motor-behavior-lab.

The Mass General Brigham community is an outstanding environment for training in clinical and rehabilitation research. The successful fellow will receive training in developing scientific concepts and related analytical designs with a focus on rehabilitation clinical trials, mixed, methods, hybrid trials, and implementation science to prepare the postdoctoral fellow to contribute significantly to the field of rehabilitation research in MS.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mentor-directed research activities (50%)
• Dalfampridine combined with physical therapy for improving mobility impairment in people with MS
• Sensorimotor mechanisms of fatigue in MS
• Visual attention and postural stability during distracted walking
• Examination of longitudinal rehabilitation outcome data in people with progressive MS
• Identifying barriers to accessing rehabilitation by people with progressive MS

• Postdoctoral fellow directed research activities (25%)
• Development of an independent project related to MS rehabilitation and aligned with the focus of the Cognitive-Motor Behavior Lab

• Professional development (10%)
• Participation in weekly lab meetings
• Supervisory responsibility and mentorship of doctoral and masters students
• Conference attendance and participation
• Attendance at weekly doctoral seminar

• Selected courses, training workshops, seminars (15%), may include:
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Statistical methods
• Implementation Science workshops
• Design and conduct of clinical trials
• Grant writing courses and workshops
• Navigating NIH pathway to independence

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Administrative office and occasionally in the clinical research facility

BENEFITS DETAIL: HR Benefits & Resources | MGH IHP

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• PhD in a health or rehabilitation field.
• Clinical training in a health or rehabilitation specialty (e.g., physical therapy) or well-aligned expertise without a clinical degree (e.g., kinesiology, human movement science).
• Interest in pursuing a career in rehabilitation research in MS.
• Ability and willingness to commit to a minimum of 2 years to the postdoctoral fellowship.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent critical thinking and appraisal skills
• Ability to learn quickly with sufficient resources and training, analytical thinker
• Strong background in statistics, biostatistics
• Experience with movement analysis systems and/or cognitive assessment
• First author of one or more peer-reviewed scientific publications or preprint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• • Ability to collaborate with other lab members and scientists

About MGH Institute of Health Professions

MGH Institute of Health Professions is a graduate school in Boston that provides entry-level and post-professional programs in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Genetic Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies. The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences and a PhD and Master of Science in Health Professions Education have been added in recent years to meet rising demand for highly educated health care professionals, educators, and researchers. Integrating classroom learning with research and clinical experience, the Institute grants doctoral degrees, master's degrees, awards certificates of advanced study, and offers continuing education to practicing professionals.

The IHP is the only degree-granting affiliate in Mass General Brigham (MGB), the largest private employer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Institute has been recognized multiple times by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a "Great College to Work For." A leading health sciences educational institution, MGH Institute provides students with outstanding academic programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

MGH Institute of Health Professions has announced an organization-wide anti-racism initiative to think boldly about race and bring together all members of the IHP community to address systemic racial injustice as well as oppression more broadly. The plan seeks to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment and better support the diverse communities the school serves. We are excited about this new initiative and are hiring employees who are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and will contribute to our anti-racism and anti-oppression approach.

EEO Statement

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff. We welcome nominations and applications from individuals who would bring diversity of experience, thought and practice to the Institute's research, teaching and clinical missions. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.