Research Assistant (contractual)

Kentucky Bar Association; United States; Remote; USD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research program is seeking a research assistant with a strong interest in neural engineering for a contract role investigating cerebral blood flow in stroke rehabilitation. Candidates should have relevant scientific degrees and research experience, potentially leading to a PhD. Responsibilities include assisting in study phases using fNIRS-EEG technology and evaluating sensor placements in clinical settings.

Qualifications

• Relevant scientific discipline background required.
• Prior research experience valued.
• Preparation of CV, cover letter, and academic references needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in clinical study phases.
• Utilize fNIRS-EEG imaging setup for evaluations.
• Engage in data collection and analysis.

Skills

Research Experience

Biomedical Engineering

Neuroscience

Physiology

Computer Science

Education

First-class or Upper Second-class undergraduate degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

We are currently seeking talented and motivated students with a strong interest in neural engineering, particularly in the application and analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) data. This position is part of an exciting research programme led by Dr. Anirban Dutta within the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science at the University of Birmingham. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/metabolism-systems/dutta-anirban

Project Background
Dutta et al. (2021) conducted a study on healthy volunteers at the University at Buffalo (USA), demonstrating a statistically significant (p < 0.01) increase in cerebral blood volume (CBV) following activation of the calf muscle pump using intermittent neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) of the common peroneal nerve via the geko device. While this device is typically used for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism post-stroke, the CBV-enhancing effects have not yet been explored in stroke patients.

Cheung, Mancheung. Hemodynamics Due to Calf Muscle Activity – Biophysical Modeling and Experiments Using Frequency Domain Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Healthy Humans. State University of New York at Buffalo, 2018. ProQuest Dissertation 10823366. https://ubir.buffalo.edu/xmlui/handle/10477/78042

Building on these promising findings, we are launching the RETRAIN Trial, a two-phase clinical study aimed at further investigating these effects in stroke survivors:

Study Overview
Phase 1 (completed): Assess the relationship between brain haemodynamics and varying NMES intensities (using the geko device) on both affected and unaffected limbs in patients with chronic ischemic stroke (>7 days post-onset).
Utilize a joint fNIRS-EEG imaging setup to evaluate cerebral responses.
Determine the optimal sensor placement for Phase 2.

Reference: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.10.25327353v1

Phase 2 (ongoing): Compare cerebral blood flow (CBF) improvements between the geko and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices in patients within the acute phase of ischemic stroke (<48 hours post-onset).
Sponsored by Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (IRAS ID: 325629)

Applicant Requirements: Candidates should possess a First-class or Upper Second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific discipline, such as biomedical engineering, neuroscience, physiology, computer science, or a closely related field. Applicants with prior research experience and/or a Master’s degree are particularly encouraged to apply for a 12-month contractual research assistant position. This role may serve as a pathway to a 3-year full-time PhD (or part-time equivalent), subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory performance during the initial contract.

To apply, please prepare and submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including nationality and country of birth
Cover Letter: Detailing your research experience, capabilities, and motivation to join this project
Two academic references (names and contact details)
Degree certificates and academic transcripts (in English)
Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)