Open Positions | Motor Systems Neurophysiology Laboratory

Postdoctoral Position

A postdoctoral position in motor control is available to study roles of motor cortex and thalamus in control of locomotion and posture. Experiments involve multiple single cell recordings in cats walking on a complex terrain or balancing on a platform. Supplemental experiments record body mechanics and effects of local drug applications. The question being addressed is how certain neurons in the motor cortex and thalamus participate in adjustment of locomotion and posture to complex natural environments.

Experience with electrophysiological techniques and animal training is required. Advanced skills in computer applications are a plus. The term of the position is one year with a possibility to renew.

Send CV, names of three references, summary of previous work, and research interests to: Irina Beloozerova, Ph.D., Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013; or email ibelooz@chw.edu. Applications will be reviewed continuously until the position is filled.

Graduate Student Position
  

A graduate student position in motor control is a available to study roles of motor cortex and thalamus in control of locomotion. Experiments involve multiple single cell recordings in cats walking on complex terrains. Supplemental experiments record body kinematics and effects of local drug applications. The question being addressed is how people and animals step precisely during locomotion; specifically, the project examines how the motor cortex and the motor thalamus participate in adjustment of steps in order to avoid or to intercept objects detected by vision.

A strong background in physics, math, and computer applications is required. Good writing and programming skills, and some background in chemistry and animal psychology are pluses. The candidate must qualify for admission to the Arizona State University (ASU) graduate school through any department participating in the ASU-Barrow Neurological Institute interdisciplinary graduate program in neuroscience [Link to pdf file ASU-BNI Neuroscience Program.doc (please create a pdf file from the Word document)]. For the ASU Department of Bioengineering, the application deadline is January 15 (for the Fall semester) and August 31 (Spring semester); it is January 1 and August 15, respectively, for the Department of Kinesiology. Access the link above for the complete list of departments participating in the ASU-BNI neuroscience program.

Send CV, names of three references, unofficial undergraduate school transcripts; a list of all previous research experience and a detailed description of any two research projects, even if they were a part of course work; and description of future research interests to: Irina Beloozerova, Ph.D., Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013; or email ibelooz@chw.edu . Applications are reviewed continuously. Please see also undergraduate research opportunities [Link to Open Positions/Open Undergraduate Student Positions] on this website for a list of required qualifications and details of application procedures.

Undergraduate Student Position
  

Research positions in motor control are available to undergraduate students either during the academic year or during the summer. Summer programs are available through Barrow Neurological Institute and through the University of Arizona Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP).

Academic Year Opportunities
During academic year, undergraduate students can work or volunteer in the laboratory.

Invited to apply are:
•   All college students who are attending an undergraduate degree-awarding institution. Priority consideration will be given to those who are attending Arizona State University
•   College seniors who have applied to the Arizona State University/Barrow Neurological Institute Graduate (MS/PhD) Program in Neuroscience .

Requirements include:
•   A strong background in math
•   Some background in physics
•   Students must enjoy the feel which comes when one attempts to do something what he/she does not quite know how to do
•   Students must be available to work a minimum of 3-4 hours per day at least two days per week (including some weekends) during the school year
•   Students must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week during summer vacations.

Typically, a successful candidate will initially be accepted into a volunteer position. This position is potentially convertible into a paid Student Research Assistant position contingent on demonstrated skills and performance after at least 150 volunteer hours are accumulated.

Application procedure Interested candidates should read at least 3 papers by Beloozerova IN and then should send by e-mail to Dr. Beloozerova (see Contact Us page for email address):
•   a description of why the research conducted in this lab is of interest to the student
•   a detailed description of a previous research experience (ANY topic)
•   a list of math and science courses with grades (Bs are fine), (freshmen and sophomores should include their high school courses)
•   a list of all other courses and extracurricular activities (freshmen and sophomores should include their high school courses and activities)
•   reference letters from two instructors

Summer Opportunities
Undergraduate Summer Student Research Program
The Undergraduate Summer Student Research Program is a Barrow-sponsered program that offers full-time summer employment as a Student Research Assistant under the direction and supervision of a Staff Research Scientist in a Research laboratory in the Division of Neurobiology. Undergraduate students are paid a stipend for the summer.

This laboratory will consider:
•   Applications from high school seniors planning to attend an undergraduate degree awarding institutions in the next fall.
•   Applications from all college students who are attending an undergraduate degree awarding institution. (Among high school and college students priority will be given to those who will be or are currently attending Arizona State University.)
•   Applications from college seniors who have applied to the Arizona State University/Barrow Neurological Institute Graduate (MS/PhD) Program in Neuroscience .

In this laboratory the position may be unpaid (Student Volunteer) or paid (Student Research Assistant) depending on the applicant’s credentials. Generally, students with previously demonstrated successful research experience are considered for paid positions. Such demonstration can be achieved through:
•   submitting a portfolio of successful research accomplishments, or
•   working in the volunteer position during previous summer or academic year.

Requirements for this laboratory include:
•   Strong background in math
•   Some background in physics
•   Good skills in computer applications
•   Students must enjoy the feel which comes when one attempts to do something what he/she does not quite know how to do

Application procedure for this laboratory:
Although applications from undergraduate students to participate in the research in this laboratory are accepted and considered year-round (see above), for summer positions applications must be submitted no later than April 1st.

Before applying, interested students should read at least 3 papers by Beloozerova IN and then should send by e-mail to Dr. Beloozerova (see Contact Us page for email address):
•   a description of why the research conducted in this lab is of interest to the student
•   a detailed description of a previous research experience (ANY topic)
•   a list of math and science courses with grades (Bs are fine)
•   (students who will be sophomores and juniors in the coming year should include their high school courses and activities)
•   a list of all other courses and extracurricular activities
•   reference letters from two instructors

The University of Arizona Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP)
Dr. Beloozerova is a faculty sponsor in the University of Arizona UBRP program. (See the UBRP faculty sponsor page .)

Students applying for summer research assistantship in this laboratory through UBRP program should:
•   satisfy this laboratory requirements (see above), and
•   complete this laboratory additional application procedures as outlined above.

If accepted, UBRP students will be required to work full time (40 hours/week). They will receive a stipend at an hourly rate of $7.50.

High School Student Position