Research Intern Jobs in Iowa

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 funded projects carried out in the lab, including those focused on EEG-informed TMS and brain oscillatory mechanisms of descending motor output in neurotypical adults and stroke survivors. Studies in the lab typically combine TMS, EEG, EMG, MRI, clinical assessments, and behavioral testing through highly multimodal experimental designs. The Research Intern will contribute to laboratory projects through patient recruitment/scheduling, data collection, maintenance of laboratory records in accordance with local and federal guidelines, data analysis, conference presentations, and manuscript preparation. 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 neurophysiologists, physicians, and rehabilitation specialists at the University of Iowa and other research institutions nationally. The preferred start date for this position is January 4, 2027, 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 human physiology, psychology, neuroscience, motor control, rehabilitation science, or biomedical engineering.

Questions about the position can be directed to Sara Hussain at sara-hussain@uiowa.edu. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

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

• Experience with laboratory-based/in-person human subjects’ research.



• 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.



• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency as required by the postbaccalaureate research intern program.

• 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 or structured research experiences.

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