NAU is a community devoted to student success and sustained by an unshakable commitment to our shared mission, vision, and values. We—faculty, staff, and administrators—thrive by combining our efforts and working side by side to further NAU’s culture of excellence.

This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

NAU is seeking exceptional candidates for an NIH- funded Postdoctoral Scholar position in the area of robot assisted clinical gait rehabilitation. The successful candidate will help lead the clinical implementation of a lightweight, dual- mode (assistive or resistive) wearable robotic ankle exoskeleton to improve function and mobility in children with cerebral palsy.

The chosen scholar will work in collaboration with the Biomechatronics Lab at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Gait and Motion Analysis at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, and the Ability & Innovation Lab at the University of Washington; the primary research locations will be at NAU in Flagstaff, AZ, and Gillette, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Research opportunities will include a clinical trial implementation, a clinical gait and motional analysis, and developing novel assistive devices, exoskeleton control algorithms, and novel rehabilitation interventions.

Research & Publications - 75%

• Reviews literature and identifies appropriate experimental approaches and areas of research.
• Designs and performs complex research projects.
• Reviews literature and identifies appropriate experimental approaches and areas of research.
• Generates, analyzes, and interprets research data in a manner reflecting a deep understanding of the area of research.
• Operates and maintains laboratory tools and scientific equipment e.g., microscopes, sequencing machines, reagents.
• Keeps detailed records of experiments, data, and analyses Assists faculty researchers and other collaborators, or may act independently, in planning and designing research experiments; establishes priorities and recommends schedules, timetables and costs.
• Presents project results to internal and external parties at regular meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Effectively uses available technology to facilitate the success of the project.
• Engages in fieldwork and writing of technical publications and reports including peer-reviewed journal articles.

Grant Funding & Management - 10%

• Collaborates with the PI on external funding proposals.
• Assists in writing funded project reports.

Lab Management & Monitorship - 10%

• Operates specialized laboratory/scientific tool and equipment.
• Performs statistical analyses, including selecting the appropriate analysis procedure, setting up data for analysis, judging validity and reliability of data, designing, and writing programs to perform analyses, and producing written reports on the result of the analyses.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

• PhD or equivalent doctorate in relevant field is required.

• The educational requirements, experience, and skills preferred, but not necessary, to perform in the position.

• Knowledge of the use of laboratory/field instruments and tools.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
• Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment

As of 12/10/21, the Safer Federal Workforce employee vaccination requirement is currently suspended pending the outcome of a federal court-issued injunction. This injunction has suspended the recent executive order issued by President Biden requiring all employees of federal contractors to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. For current status of the vaccine requirement and/or questions, please visit FAQs for Employee Vaccination Requirement.

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary range begins at $54,779. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service. NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page.

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

October 3, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process please contact the Office of Equity and Access at: 928-523-3312/TDD - 928-523-1006 or PO Box 4083, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

EEO is the Law Poster and Supplements

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.