About the Job
Position Summary: The Post-Doctoral Associate will be supervised and mentored by Dr. Colum MacKinnon, in the Department of Neurology (https://movementdisorderslab.umn.edu/). The Post-Doctoral Associate will be involved in the execution of experiments examining the progression of motor and cognitive signs in people with REM sleep behavior disorder and early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD). These experiments are supported by an NIH RO1 NS126609 research grant.
The position will involve: (1) the collection, processing and analysis of data acquired from quantitative motor tasks (gait, gait initiation, bradykinesia, rigidity, etc.) using motion capture, force plate, electromyography, and a variety of data acquisition systems and (2) the collection, processing and analysis of data transcranial magnetic stimulation (paired associative stimulation) data. The candidate must have a strong background in motion capture, surface EMG and non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS) and well as experience in biophysical signal processing (in both time and frequency domains) and programming (e.g. MatLab, R). The research position, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota career development training programs, will provide opportunities for mentorship in scientific writing and grantsmanship, outreach and communication. This position is temporary with a tentative end date of December 31, 2026.
Work Schedule: Hybrid, M-F, 9am - 5pm
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Participate in the collection, processing and analyses of data acquired as part of multiple team-based research projects, with a primary focus on experiments for the “Neuroplasticity and the emergence of motor and cognitive deficits in prodromal synucleinopathy” NIH RO1 grant. (70%)
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, IRB submissions, and grants and authorship of conference papers, posters and journal articles. (15%)
- Prepare and present data to study investigators periodically at meetings and journal clubs. (5%)
- Mentor undergraduate students on research projects. (5%)
- Participate in career training/development programs. (5%)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- PhD degree in Rehabilitation Science, Kinesiology (or related human movement science degree), Neuroscience, or similarly related field.
- Experience in the collection of data in human participants (e.g. individuals with neurological disorders) and the procedures for maintaining patient confidentiality (HIPAA and CITI training will be provided).
- Experience in the processing and analyses of kinematic, kinetic or EMG/EEG data.
- Proficient at programming in Matlab, R, and/or similar programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in the processing and analysis of motion capture (kinematics, force, EMG) data.
- Proficiency in the processing and analysis of non-invasive brain stimulation data.
- Proficiency in statistical analyses of multivariate data sets.
About the Department
To learn more about the Department of Neurology, please visit https://med.umn.edu/neurology .
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $63,480 annually - $77,076 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
