Human Motor Performance Laboratory, University of Florida

Kinesiologist position available at the VA Rehabilitation Research Centers of Excellence and University of Florida Brooks Center for Rehabilitation Studies in the Human Motor Performance Laboratory (HMPL), Gainesville, Florida.

The 2500 sq. ft HMPL is located at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center and is a joint effort of the Department of Veteran Affairs and the University of Florida. The laboratory provides state-of-the-art measurement and analysis of normal and abnormal human movement and metabolic function, particularly among individuals with mobility limitations. Facilities are also available to study speech motor function including: speech, swallowing, and respiration in normal and patient populations. The motor performance laboratory features equipment capable of collecting kinematic, kinetic, electromyographic, strength, and metabolic data. As such, the lab also provides an opportunity for the development and testing of new rehabilitation interventions. The laboratory includes: a Vicon motion capture system with twelve 4-megapixel cameras, a Konigsburg 16-channel telemetry EMG system, a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, a Lokomat robotic gait trainer integrated into a treadmill and body-weight support system, workstations for data processing and musculoskeletal modeling, and other specialized instruments.

This is initially a one-year contract position with potential for renewal pending availability of grant funds. A Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering or related field is required. Benefits are included with the position and salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

This is an ideal position for a candidate with interest in being trained in biomechanics lab operations. The candidate will be responsible for providing support for laboratory operation and maintenance in the Human Motor Performance laboratory, with a primary emphasis in experimental paradigms that test upper extremity function (e.g., reaching, grasping and object manipulation). The incumbent will prepare laboratory equipment prior to data collection sessions and conduct data collection sessions with patients and non-disabled to collect 3D-kinematic, kinetic and EMG data. The incumbent will also be responsible for tracking data from experimental trials using Vicon system. The successful applicant must interact professionally with disabled individuals, clinicians, and other individuals or groups, therefore outstanding interpersonal skills are required. He/She must demonstrate self-motivation and enthusiasm.

Primary responsibilities are to provide day-to-day support for laboratory operation and maintenance, preparation for, scheduling of and assistance during experimental sessions, and data reduction and analysis.

Basic lab skills: Ideally, at least one year of experience with 3D motion analysis systems, although candidates with closely related experience will be considered and provided training in our environment.

Analysis and reduction of experimental data: Ideally, some familiarity with Vicon Workstation, Visual3D, SIMM and Matlab although training will be provided to the candidate.

Experience in stroke rehabilitation research: Experience in performing and assessing the results of experimental protocols involving subjects with chronic hemiplegia subsequent to stroke.


Please send vita/resume and a list of three references to:

Carolynn Patten, PhD., PT
patten@phhp.ufl.edu.

If accommodation is needed to apply for a position because of a disability, call (352) 3924621 or TDD 18009558771. UF is an ADA/EOE/AA employer.