Postdoctoral Scholar - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Position Overview

A postdoctoral scholar position is available in the Motor Learning and Rehabilitation (MORE) Laboratory at the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. This position focuses on motor neuroscience and translating fundamental principles of motor learning and sensorimotor control into neurorehabilitation applications. The position is supported by the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R).

The MORE Lab investigates mechanism-driven approaches to understanding the neural mechanisms of motor learning and recovery after neurological injury. Our interdisciplinary research integrates movement neuroscience, biomechanics, engineering, and cognitive neuroscience. Research activities span the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) in the College of Medicine in Hershey and the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Development at the University Park campus, leveraging our dual institutional affiliation.

We seek a motivated researcher with a background in kinesiology, neuroscience, engineering, medicine, or physical/occupational therapy–or related fields—particularly those interested in bridging fundamental mechanisms of motor learning with clinical rehabilitation applications. Departmental support includes planned development of neuromodulation capabilities (e.g., tES, TMS) and related experimental infrastructure.

• Participate actively in lab meetings and collaborative research activities
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate research activities related to human data acquisition, data quality control, data analysis, result interpretation, presentations, and manuscript preparation
• Contribute to the development of new research studies, laboratory manuals, and standard operating procedures
• Support the PI in grant development and submission
• Publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals

• PhD in Kinesiology, Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Science, Psychology, Engineering or a related field with a focus on neural control of movement or neurorehabilitation
• Strong background in verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with at least one statistical software package, programming (e.g., Python, R), and experience conducting quantitative analyses
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A highly organized, detail-oriented approach to project management, with an ability to meet deadlines and adapt to evolving project goals

• Human neuroimaging (e.g., T1-, T2-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, fNIRS)
• Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (e.g., tES, TMS, LIFUS)
• Programming experience (e.g., MATLAB or Python)

Background checks and clearances may be required in accordance with University policies.