National
Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD
POST: Post Doctoral Fellow(Gait and
Mobility Modeling in Aging Research)
The Longitudinal Studies Section
(LSS) of the Clinical Research Branch (CRB) of the National Institute on Aging
(NIA), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to participate in research projects associated
with the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). The BLSA examines
various trajectories of change in primary physiological parameters across the
age spectrum with the underlying goal to identify change due to "normal
aging" versus changes caused by age-related diseases and identify key
factors that impact the aging process. Extensive longitudinal data exist on
physiological function (cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, metabolic,
musculo-skeletal), sensory function (vision and hearing), cognition,
personality, nutrition and physical activity. Biological material (serum,
plasma, DNA, urine, cells) were collected and stored in one of the richest
biological banks in the context of a longitudinal study of aging. The
scientific paradigm of the BLSA has been revisited to increase the focus on
early biological, environmental and behavioral risk factors for the development
of mobility disability in older persons. Given the multiplicity of projects
within the BLSA, we are seeking applicants with experience and interests in
specific areas.
The BLSA is particularly
interested in the study of efficiency and energetics of gait and mobility. The
metabolic cost of walking in normal older individuals and in those affected by
multiple chronic diseases is mostly unknown. A state of the art 3D gait
laboratory has been designed to study change over time in the biomechanics and
kinematics of gait, how these parameters are affected by specific chronic
conditions or impairments and are correlated with biomarkers, brain imaging,
muscle and nerve function, vision and proprioception. A Vicon 3D motion capture
system with10-cameras (Oxford Metrics Ltd., Oxford, UK) is used to evaluate
multiple components of normal and challenged gait. Ground reaction forces are
measured synchronously with motion capturing using 3 staggered force platforms
(Advanced Mechanical Technologies, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA; sampling rate
1080Hz) imbedded in the walkway. There is a fully dedicated technician who
administers the study protocol to participants, coordinates the laboratory and
helps in pre-processing the data collected.
REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate should have
considerable experience in working in a 3D gait laboratory (preferentially
VICON), conducting quality control on and processing the data collected,
analyzing data and writing scientific papers for peer-review scientific
journals. She/he will have access to considerable expertise in statistics and
epidemiology and other scientists with vast experience in aging-related
research.
TO APPLY:
Send curriculum vitae, statement
of research interest, relevant publications, and contact information for three
references to Ms. Annette D. Edwards, Program Support Assistant, Clinical
Research Branch, National Institutes on Aging, 3001 S. Hanover St. Baltimore,
MD 21225, Email: edwardsan@mail.nih.gov.
Additional information regarding
the NIA/IRP and the Longitudinal Studies Section (LSS) are available at the
following web sites http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/branches/crb/lss.htm
or http://www.grc.nia.nih.gov/branches/blsa/blsanew.htm
.
The NIH is dedicated to building
a diverse community in its training and employment programs.
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