Research Lab Manager (Systems Neuroscience/Neural Engineering) - Program in Physical Therapy - Military Veterans

Scheduled Hours 40

Position Summary The Systems Neuroscience and Rehabilitation (SNR) Lab, led by Laura McPherson, PT, DPT, PhD, has an immediate opening for a Research Lab Manager. Oversees entire laboratory setting to promote smooth operation, regulatory compliance, and interaction with other laboratories. Position also assists in developing and conducting research projects, including experimental design, performing research procedures, documentation/data entry and analysis of experimental results.

In the SNR Lab, we study changes in neural control of movement after neurological injury due to multiple sclerosis or stroke. We do this primarily through analysis of motor unit population discharge, obtained non-invasively via decomposition of high-density surface electromyography. We are interested in how these changes relate to specific motor deficits and investigate how they can be targeted to improve the efficacy of neurorehabilitation interventions. We also explore various aspects of neural control of movement in the intact nervous system, such as how it differs among muscles with different biomechanical functions.

Our growing lab is located within the Washington University School of Medicine, which provides a vibrant, highly collaborative environment for neural engineering and rehabilitation research and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are seeking someone with demonstrated project and/or people management skills to oversee the day-to-day management of our lab. The Research Lab Manager will work directly with Dr. McPherson and other staff to manage lab ordering and purchasing, maintain equipment and contracts, train personnel, run experiments, and analyze data as needed.

Job Description
More information about the lab can be found at the SNR Lab website: https://sites.wustl.edu/snrlab/ .

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluates research results, reports findings and discusses project outcomes with staff involved.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and human participant conditions.
• Coordinates research projects with other institutions and investigators.
• Directs general supply/equipment orders, lab maintenance and cleaning.
• Performs literature research on specified topics.
• With principal investigator, designs, performs, troubleshoots, and evaluates research procedures and human subject experiments.
• Assists with grant preparation and journal article submission.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures. Provides comprehensive direction and training to laboratory personnel.
• Hires, trains, and evaluates the performance of laboratory personnel.
• Oversees and directs all support activities of the lab including human resources, budgets, facility maintenance, purchasing, supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Researches and recommends new methods and procedures to maintain current capabilities, quality, and standards.
• Assists with participant recruitment and screening.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in biomedical engineering, rehabilitation science, kinesiology, or neuroscience (or a closely related field).
• Prior experience with data management and analysis and record keeping.
• Analytical and problem-solving research skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in diverse environments.
• Experience in the following areas is highly desirable: MATLAB (running established programs, debugging existing programs, and/or programming new programs) and/or R (for use with statistical analyses and figure preparation), project management, human neurophysiology and/or rehabilitation research, collection and analysis of biological signals (force/torque, EMG, motor unit discharge), general data acquisition/instrumentation. Â
• Excellent skills related to written and verbal communication, organization, and problem solving. Ability to utilize these skills with all levels of personnel and for technical publications.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Highly organized with good time management skills. These skills are essential to be able to prioritize a multifaceted workload and handle a variety of responsibilities in a calm and flexible manner.
• Past experience in human subject research, and familiarity with IRB protocol procedures and HIPAA privacy requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally and courteously, in a team environment, with faculty, staff, students, clinicians, external collaborators, and participants.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree with 5 years of experience in research lab operations or equivalent combination of education and experience equaling 12 years.

Grade R12

Salary Range $63,400.00 - $115,000.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email  CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â" fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.