Postdoctoral Researcher

Summary:

We are seeking a postdoc for our interdisciplinary research project studying aging, balance control, and brain neural and vascular health that is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. This project aims to understand the links between vascular brain function, neural brain function, and the neuromechanical control of balance reactions in older adults age 75+. Motivated candidates will have a working knowledge base and prior coursework in vascular physiology, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and clinical experience in working with and treating older adult patient populations in rehabilitation settings.

This postdoc will play a vital role in conducting transcranial Doppler ultrasound and neurophysiologic human subjects'' assessments involving older adults, as well as clinical testing in older adults. They will be responsible for playing a lead role in data analysis and manuscript preparation under the guidance of Dr. Palmer

This is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of being continued for a second year based on performance and funding.

Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution dedicated to serving the state, residing in Minnesota is strongly preferred. Initial applicant review will focus on candidates who reside in (or are willing to relocate to) Minnesota, followed by the broader national pool.

Job description:

• Lead signal processing, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for TCD and EEG datasets from ongoing NIH-funded studies, under the guidance of Dr. Palmer.

• Develop, adapt, document, and maintain signal processing and analysis scripts (MATLAB and R) consistent with NIH rigor and data-sharing standards, and consistent with our internal laboratory policies.

• Prepare and submit peer-reviewed publications and present at scientific conferences.

• Develop and submit an independent postdoctoral fellowship application (e.g., NIH F32).

• Assist with data collection, including TCD, neurophysiologic (EEG), and clinical assessments in older adults.

• Learn and follow SOPs and MOPs and maintain an accurate electronic laboratory notebook.

• Organize and store data to support rigor, reproducibility, and future use.

• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students through their research projects, from conception to presentation, with guidance from Dr. Palmer.

• Participate in lab meetings and collaborator meetings, in person or virtually in real time.

• Meet laboratory deadlines and behave professionally and respectfully toward others.

All Required Qualifications Must Be Documented in Application Materials

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in rehabilitation science, physiology, or a related field, conferred by the start date.

• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

• Track record of prior research funding or awards.

• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., R, MATLAB).

• Strong organizational skills, accountability, clear communication, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with transcranial Doppler ultrasound and vascular physiology.

• Experience writing signal processing and analysis scripts, particularly for TCD or EEG data.

• Clinical experience with older adults in rehabilitation settings.

• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn new techniques independently.

• Experience mentoring students in research.

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota was created more than 50 years ago in response to a legislative mandate to train primary care physicians. Since then, we have been leaders in transforming the specialty through education, research, and patient care. We are the academic sponsor of ten family medicine residencies-five in the Twin Cities, five in Greater Minnesota. We are involved in medical student education activities across the Medical School's three campuses: Twin Cities, Duluth, and Saint Cloud. We sponsor five fellowship programs-sports medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, behavioral medicine, clinical informatics, and human sexuality- and offer continuing medical education opportunities. We are regularly among the top National Institutes of Health-funded family medicine departments. Our faculty are actively researching health disparities, healthcare delivery, and population health. More at https://med.umn.edu/familymedicine.

The Division of Physical Therapy creates and integrates innovative research discoveries, education, and practice to develop scholarly, collaborative physical therapists and rehabilitation scientists who advance health care and disease prevention for diverse communities in Minnesota and beyond. More information may be found at https://med.umn.edu/fmch/physical-therapy.

Pay Range: Expected annual stipend will be $63,480, adjusted for the next fiscal year, according to University and Medical School guidelines.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Postdoctoral Associate

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.