Post-doc Position, Melbourne, Australia

Post-doctoral Research Officer

Where:
The Clinical Research Centre for Movement Disorders & Gait
(CRCMDG)(formerly the Geriatric Research Unit), Melbourne in association
with the Centre for Research Excellence in Clinical Gait Analysis and
Gait Rehabilitation (Gait CCRE).

Requirements:
The successful applicant is expected to have a Ph.D in bio-engineering,
psychology, neuroscience, psychophysiology, human movement sciences, or
a related field with a strong emphasis on biomechanics and/or
psychophysiology. A knowledge of EEG with previous experience in EEG
recording and analysis is expected. Experience in brain mapping is
highly desirable.

The ambition to combine fundamental research with work in a clinical
setting is essential. Experience in patient-oriented research and
laboratory skills are an advantage.

International candidates will be sponsored, however no relocation or
visa costs will be provided.

Research Program:
The Post-doctoral Research Officer will work within the Gait CCRE
umbrella under the direct supervision of Professor Robert Iansek to lead
clinical research in the fields of movement disorders and gait, and to
supervise research students.

There are three specific elements of this research program:
1. To investigate basal ganglia, cortical, cerebellar and brainstem
motor control mechanisms involved in the motor control of gait and
balance in health and disease.
This includes:
* Reviewing and critically evaluating the scientific literature and
evidence base on motor control disorders in basal ganglia pathology and
/ or stroke;
* Working with Professor Iansek to investigate optimal ways to
investigate the neural control of gait in health and disease, examining
the existing knowledge base and devising appropriate projects to extend
understanding of how and to what extent the brain controls walking;
* Development of new methodologies for investigating and evaluating
the pathogenesis of gait disorders in older people with neurological
conditions where shortcomings are identified in existing ones; and
* Translating clinical research findings to clinicians at Southern
Health, throughout Australia and internationally, to enhance patient
outcome for gait rehabilitation.

2. Reliability and validity of methodologies
This involves working cooperatively with other Gait CCRE Post-doctoral
Research Officers to ensure that methodologies used to evaluate the
effects of gait rehabilitation, medical and surgical interventions for
adults with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and
stroke are optimally reliable and valid.

3. Collation of data for reference database
In collaboration with other Gait CCRE team members, collecting gait
data for the Gait CCRE database. This includes ensuring adequate
subject recruitment, data collection, and that quality assurance
procedures are implemented for the Kingston Centre component of the data
collection process.

This research program will be conducted in part by staff and students
working under the direct supervision of the Post-doctoral Research
Officer, in part by other staff and students working on related projects
in the CRCMDG, and in part directly by the Post-doctoral Research
Officer.

As well as key involvement in the projects described above, the
Post-doctoral Research Officer is to develop independence in initiating
and carrying through research projects of his / her own interest,
including accessing appropriate funding and publication of results
through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

About the CRCMDG:
The Centre was established in 1997 by then A/Prof Robert Iansek and Dr
Meg Morris to investigate neurological conditions of ageing, with
particular reference to basal ganglia disorders such as Parkinson
disease (PD). In the past six years, the focus of the CRCMDG has
expanded to include investigations in brain pre-movement potentials,
motor deficits of Aspergers/Austism spectrum, William's syndrome and
frontal gait apraxia, as well as key projects in Huntington disease,
stroke and normal gait. Our research is primarily clinically-driven,
designed to answer clinical questions and evaluate clinical
effectiveness.

The CRCMDG has grown considerably in the past two and a half years
following a restructure. It has a dedicated research staff allocation,
and also accommodates project staff, post-graduate doctorates, and
Southern Health researchers with access to resources of Monash,
Melbourne and La Trobe Universities. Facilities include a gait
laboratory (with a three dimensional motion analysis system, force
platforms, a computerized walkway, and electroencephalogram equipment).

Funding:
The position is funded by the Gait CCRE.

Additional information:
Dr Anna Murphy, AnnaT.Murphy@southernhealth.org.au, +61 (0)3 9265 1453

This project is planned to commence as soon as possible.

How to Apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter stating their ambitions and an
extensive resume by 19 December 2007 to:

Dr Anna Murphy
Geriatric Research Unit
Kingston Centre
Warrigal Road
Cheltenham, VIC 3192
OR via email (as above)