National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD
POST: PostDoctoral 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 .
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