Job Summary
The Willsey Lab for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) in the Department of Neurosurgery & Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan is to fill a hybrid Research Specialist position. The emphasis is hands-on BCI session execution?working directly with participants in clinic or in their home (some travel may be required). There will also be neural data engineering, data analysis, clinical trial coordination, and some administrative tasks. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to something truly groundbreaking, as BCIs are being translated from the laboratory and into real therapies that restore speech and movement for people with paralysis.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the principal investigator.
Responsibilities*
Include, but are not limited to:
- Serve as primary contact for participants with paralysis; lead real-time BCI sessions (setup, troubleshooting, data acquisition) while ensuring comfort and safety.
- Support participant recruitment, screening, consent, scheduling, regulatory compliance (GCP/IRB/FDA), and study documentation.
- Data management, preprocess/analyze large-scale neural data using Python/MATLAB; contribute to publications, grants, and algorithm improvements for speech and motor restoration.
Required Qualifications*
- B.S. or B.A. degree in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, electrical/computer engineering, data science, pre-medical (e.g. biochemistry, biology), or other related scientific or pre-medical field.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and detail-oriented skills.
- Passion for BCI research, flexibility, and readiness to help at any time.
- Complete CITI GCP/HIPAA training upon hire.
- Familiarity with high-tech devices.
- Either familiarity working in a clinical setting or familiarity with data science.
Intermediate: 4-5 years of experience in a related field.
Associate: 1-3 years of experience in a related field.
Desired Qualifications*
- 1-2 years of experience of patient-facing experiences or background in signal processing or machine learning
- Programming Experience (e.g., Matlab or Python)
- Willingness to start immediately
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
This position is a 2-year term limited appointment with the possibility for renewal. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.