The Real-Time NeuroRehabilitation Lab (RT-NRL) at the University of Iowa invites applications for a Research Intern (post-baccalaureate) in the field of motor control, non-invasive neurophysiology, brain stimulation, and neurorehabilitation. The overall mission of the RT-NRL Lab is to (1) identify brief temporal windows during which the neurophysiological mechanisms supporting voluntary upper extremity movements are most active and (2) deliver evidence-based neurorehabilitation interventions during these windows. The individual selected for this position will contribute to multiple projects carried out in the lab, including an NIH-funded study examining the feasibility of poststroke real-time EEG-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Additional projects examine neural control of grasping behaviors and brain oscillatory mechanisms of descending motor output. Most studies in the lab combine TMS, EEG, EMG, clinical assessments and behavioral testing through highly multimodal experimental designs. The Research Intern will contribute to laboratory projects through patient recruitment, data collection, data analysis, maintenance of laboratory records in accordance with local and federal guidelines, conference presentations, manuscript preparation, and patient recruitment. The Research Intern is expected to work collaboratively with all lab members during project meetings, departmental seminars, and discussions of ongoing and planned projects. The primary mentor for this position is Dr. Sara Hussain, PhD, but the Research Intern will regularly interact with a larger team of physicians, neurophysiologists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists at the University of Iowa and other research institutions nationally. The preferred start date for this position is September 1, 2025, but alternative start dates will be considered. This position is for one year, with a possibility of renewal for a second year.

The ideal candidate will be interested in pursuing graduate-level study (i.e., PhD) in psychology, human neuroscience, motor control, rehabilitation science, biomedical engineering, and/or kinesiology.  

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

• 1-2 years’ experience with laboratory-based human subjects’ research during undergraduate training


• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills


• Ability to work and learn independently, while remaining motivated to contribute to the laboratory’s research mission


• Strong organizational skills and self-starting attitude


• US citizenship or permanent residency is a requirement for participation in the postbaccalaureate research intern program at the University of Iowa

• Experience with either neurostimulation (TMS, tDCS, etc.) or neuroimaging (EEG, MRI, MEG, etc.)


• Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis and/or scientific programming (i.e., MATLAB, Python, R).


• Experience working with individuals with neurological disorders (i.e., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, etc.) 


• Previous conference presentations