Research Technologist 3

Department: MCC Mechanical Engineering
Salary/Grade: NEX/13

Job Summary:

As need increases, access decreases. It is a paradox that as human motor impairments become more severe, and increasing assistance need is paired with decreasing motor ability, the very machines created to provide this assistance become less and less accessible to operate with independence.

A primary aim of the assistive & rehabilitation robotics laboratory (argallab) at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) is to address this paradox by incorporating robotics autonomy and intelligence into assistive machines. By turning the machine into a kind of robot, we can offload some of the control burden from the user onto the machine

We are seeking a Research Technician to provide support for an ongoing human subject study that proposes to develop and evaluate a control approach that aims to make assistive devices more accessible to patients with severe paralysis. The approach will enhance the movement capabilities that survived the injury, through a combination of customized interfacing, machine learning, and human motor learning. This study is focused on the field of rehab robotics, providing a unique opportunity for the candidate interested in combining robotics and physical medicine.

Our ideal candidate will have experience with human subject research and be able to quickly provide support in running study sessions according to an already established protocol. Responsibilities will

include running code that logs data and operates the robot and sensors, interacting with participants, providing data stewardship + analysis, and performing software troubleshooting during study sessions.

Experience working with Linux/Ubuntu and Python is required. Experience with C++ is helpful. Experience with ROS/ROS2 is highly desired, as is a background in data analysis.

This position is an eight-month appointment, concluding May 2025.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Following overall research objectives, independently conducts and
• troubleshoots experiments.
• Evaluates protocols and data obtained from groups of experiments and
• recommends changes to processes, procedures and techniques to improve
• quality and validity of results based upon overall project objectives.
• Using an advanced level of skill, completes the following activities:
• Running code, debugging code, debugging hardware, data logging, data
• analysis, participant documentation and payment.

Administration

• Observes experiments, collects, records, summarizes, analyzes and interprets research data.
• Collates relevant mathematical results.
• Prepares complex tables reflecting relationships of multiple tests.
• Draws scientific conclusions.
• Writes portions of grant applications.
• Co-authors scientific papers.

Finance

• Negotiates purchases with vendors.
• Maintains and updates portions of grant budgets.
• Tracks and summarizes lab supply expenses.
• Verifies accuracy of invoices.
• Orders and/or maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.

Supervision

• Trains and directs other lab EEs and/or students in research techniques and procedures.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year lab/bench or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Data presentation skills;
• Experimental design ability;
• Ability to work as part of a project team.
• Strong problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS2).
• Track record of successfully running participant research studies.
• Ability to work independently and manage time/meet deadlines.
• Collaborative Mindset with an emphasis on innovation and incremental improvement.
• Interest and experience in robotics, mechanical engineering and/or computer science, and rehabilitation.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• C, C++.
• Python.
• ROS, ROS2.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

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