Post Doctoral Associate

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The SHRS Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology is offering a Post Doc Associate program titled Career Advancement & Training for Assistive Technology Practice, Research & Policy (CAT-PReP). The program's objective is to increase the number of rigorously trained rehabilitation clinicians to become competitive and scientifically productive researchers specializing in AT provision and policy for community living and participation, thereby bridging the shortage of trained researchers in AT. The Post Doc Associate will be advised by Dr. Mark Schmeler and will primarily conduct research to support individuals with disabilities in navigating complex healthcare systems, assistive technology options, and funding resources.

Requirements

• Have a terminal doctorate (i.e., OTD, DPT, CScD) or PhD in relevant disciplines, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, audiology, public health, and rehabilitation engineering at the time of application.
• Show evidence of expertise in the disciplines.
• Not currently be or have ever been a Principal Investigator on a research grant.
• Show genuine interest in AT research, clinical service, and policy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a collaborative research/clinical team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of scientific publications and/or presentations.
• Experience in research and project management

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of assistive technology, healthcare systems, and disability advocacy is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Engage with a rehabilitation engineer who oversees and evaluates computer access/electronic devices service to develop a standardized procedure for OT involvement well as an outcomes management system to investigate the impact of these interventions.
• Lead investigation of the use of ambient listening (AI) during wheelchair evaluations to streamline documentation.
• Research implementation strategies for follow-up service to people who are provided wheeled mobility and seating solutions.
• Shadow clinicians when performing wheelchair evaluations and assist with documentation scribing.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team to develop, assess, and refine AI functionalities that align with user needs.
• Develop and implement clinical quality improvement investigations to improve service delivery, inform policy, and move towards increased financial viability of AT clinics.
• Engage with clinical and community partners to gather information, develop knowledge bases, collect user feedback, and integrate all inputs into project development.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at relevant scientific and industry conferences.
• Participate in grant writing activities and proposals as they arise.

Benefits

• 100% salary support
• Support for travel and supplies
• Stipend of $62,232/year
• Health insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees