Postdoctoral Scholar - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Postdoctoral Scholar Position

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.

Joining the MORE Lab offers a rare opportunity to help build a research program from the ground up. As a founding member, the postdoctoral scholar will play a central role in shaping the lab's scientific direction, research culture, and experimental infrastructure. The position provides strong opportunities for leadership on projects and development of independent research programs. Scholars will also gain hands-on experience in grant writing, including fellowship and career development applications, with close mentorship from the lab director and collaborators during this early stage of the lab.

With dual affiliation across the Department of PM&R and Kinesiology, the lab provides access to diverse collaborators, clinical populations, and basic motor learning research environments, enabling truly translational and interdisciplinary work.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Skills-Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• 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)

Applications must be submitted online and should include:

• A cover letter that includes a statement of research experience and interests
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information of three professional references.