Research Engineer

Company Description

Kessler Foundation is a major nonprofit organization that conducts rehabilitation research to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes for individuals with neurological disabilities. For more information, visit www.Kesslerfoundation.org.

Role Description

• This is a full-time, on-site role for a Research Engineer at Kessler Foundation in West Orange, NJ. We are looking for a motivated entry-level Research Engineer with a degree in biomedical engineering or related fields of neural engineering to join our Neuromuscular and Electrophysiology (NME) lab, where we conduct clinical trials investigating the effects of noninvasive neuromodulation interventions for neurorehabilitation. Our lab combines neuroimaging (MRI, DTI) and neurophysiology (EEG, EMG, TMS) to study neuromuscular pathways underlying motor deficits and develop precision interventions for motor recovery in neurological conditions. With recent grants from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), we will be conducting clinical trial studies on robotic balance training combined with noninvasive, targeted brain stimulation to improve balance and postural control in people with stroke or traumatic brain injury. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to advancing neurorehabilitation engineering solutions for people with disabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and implement experimental protocols combining robotic balance training with noninvasive brain stimulation for intervention.
• Coordinate data collection sessions, manage participant scheduling, and ensure regulatory compliance for study protocols.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot intervention-related hardware and software.
• Perform data acquisition, signal processing, and data analysis of neurophysiological signals, including EEG, EMG, and other relevant measures.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team to integrate findings into ongoing research projects and contribute to study publications (research manuscripts, conference posters, and abstracts).
• Assist in preparing standard of procedures manual, technical reports, and grant applications.
• Contribute to the data management systems for optimal storage, retrieval, and analysis.

Qualifications:

Education:

·        A master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a passion for neurorehabilitation and neuromodulation research. Exceptional candidates with a Bachelor’s degree will also be considered if they demonstrate comparable expertise and skills relevant to the research focus.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in programming languages, particularly MATLAB and Python (mandatory), and experience with command-line interfaces on both Windows and Linux platforms.
• Conceptual background in signal processing techniques, including FIR and IIR filter design, time and frequency domain analysis, and wavelet decomposition.
• Background in implementing machine learning methods (including unsupervised learning, feature engineering, and supervised classification and regression techniques) would be a strong plus!
• Hardware: Candidates with prior experience working with human participants to collect and analyze neurophysiological data (e.g., EEG, EMG, and TMS) will be favorably considered.
• Software: Prior experience with one or more of the following software tools is highly advantageous: MATLAB-based EEG data analysis tools such as EEGLAB/Brainstorm/Fieldtrip; Python-based packages such as Scikit-learn/MNE-Python/NiLearn/NiTime; Computational modeling tools such as SIMNIBS or ROAST; and Proficiency with GitHub.

Analytical Skills:

• Strong foundation in statistical analysis methods and data management practices.

Research Competencies:

• Excellent documentation skills to ensure reproducibility in research.
• Experience in assisting with scientific manuscript preparation. 

Employment Terms:

This full-time position is based at Kessler Foundation (West Orange campus in New Jersey), offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit their CVs and a cover letter (stating the salary requirements) with one or two professional references to vshenoy@kesslerfoundation.org with the email subject line: "Application for Research Engineer Position at NME Lab– [Your Full Name]." The cover letter should be at most 1 page. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.