Job Description

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.


This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of 1 year with the opportunity of extension for up to three years.

Location

- This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.


Qualified applicants are invited to apply for a Postdoctoral Fellow position working on clinical applications of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for children and youth.


This interdisciplinary patient and family-centered research program is focused on using non-invasive BCI to enable children with neurological impairments to access play, mobility, and communication. This is an interdisciplinary and intersectoral research program, involving the:

Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Faculty of Engineering

About the Assistive Technology Labs and the Imagination Centre Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Program

This position is in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. It will be jointly held between the AAT Lab and Imagination Centre Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Program.


The AAT-Lab is directed by Dr. Kim Adams in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine of the University of Alberta. The AAT Lab studies the role of assistive technology (AT) for engaging children with significant physical impairments in learning and play. The AAT Lab's clinical research stream supports the evaluation and implementation of AT and assistive robots for children to engage in play and learning. The AAT Lab's technical research is focused on developing new hybrid brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigms, robotic controls, and robotic interface designs.


Based out of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, the Imagination Centre BCI Program works to cultivate the advancement and adoption of patient and family-centered BCI technology by partnering with patients, families, and innovators.

About the Postdoctoral Fellowship

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative research in child development and participation through brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. We seek candidates passionate about the clinical implementation of non-invasive (BCIs) for neurodiverse children and youth. This interdisciplinary patient and family-centered research involves medicine, rehabilitation, and engineering faculties, aiming to enhance participation and development through play, mobility, and communication for people with neurological impairments.


A background in rehabilitation sciences, neuroscience, or developmental psychology is preferred. Successful candidates will have strong communication, collaboration, and coordination skills to work effectively with patients, families, researchers, clinicians, and industry partners and contribute successfully to this intersectoral research.


Participating in the learning of undergraduate and graduate students and research assistants is a key responsibility. Successful candidates will work with their supervisor to develop a learning and development plan and attend professional development training in research ethics, integrity, and project management. Formal training will be provided in:

Biomedical data collection and signal processing (e.g., electroencephalography) Patient-oriented research strategies Skills to ensure access, foster commnuity connections, and increase belonging Entrepreneurship Safety Additionally, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have opportunities for learning and collaboration with interdisciplinary BCI experts through the BCI-CAN Network.

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine is Canada's only free-standing faculty dedicated to rehabilitation. It offers accredited professional programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology, along with a substantial research and continuing education portfolio. With campuses in Edmonton, Calgary, and Camrose, the faculty serves approximately 1,000 graduate students and is a national leader in advancing rehabilitation practice and outcomes.Evaluate the impact of non-invasive BCI technology on play, mobility, and communication for neurodiverse children and youth. Design experiments, data collection protocols, and administrative approvals. Oversee participant recruitment, data collection, and data analysis. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment. Write research grant and scholarship applications. Prepare academic manuscripts and project reports. Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing with partners, the academic community, and industry stakeholders. Create patient and provider-facing education and training materials to support BCI technology use.

Minimum

PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Kinesiology, or another related field. Strong interest and experience in interdisciplinary and translational research with health scientists, healthcare systems, and industry. Keen interest and/or experience in non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, assistive technologies, powered mobility, neurofeedback, or related neurotechnology. Expertise in clinical research methodologies Excellent English verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to conduct scholarly work, prepare grant applications and publications, meet deadlines, and manage research projects. Self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple investigators. Experience supervising undergraduate and/or graduate trainees. Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Preferred

Passion for supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families. Strong interest and/or experience in patient-oriented research. Experience working with neurodiverse populations. Proficiency in biomedical data collection and signal processing (e.g., electroencephalography). Ability to develop and implement educational materials for patients and providers. Experience in mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate students. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative analysis. Interest in entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of BCIs.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following online as .pdf documents:

Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae List of Publications References Transcripts - to be uploaded in a single PDF document

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.




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The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.