Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.
Job Description Summary
Consistent with the rank of Assistant Professor, the Research Scientist II assists with executing pre-clinical scientific research strategies in research. Investigates the feasibility of applying a variety of scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions, products and problems. Demonstrates achievements in basic, clinical or biomedical engineering research that have brought distinction to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Contributes to the overall direction of research at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.The Research Scientist II will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact or in the interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
The Research Scientist II will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.
Job Description
The Research Scientist II will:
Develops scientific goals and objectives for area of responsibility to ensure continued scientific growth and development of research laboratory/unit/center. Supports organization.
To secure external research funding, develops independent research proposals and grant applications at national level (e.g., foundation, VA, NSF, NIH, NIDILRR, or DOD) with assistance from colleagues. National level grants are typically at the smaller level such as NIH R03, NIH R21, or NIDILRR field-initiated project.
Ensures that scientific and budgetary milestones of specific projects are met.
Publishes original research in scientific journals that advance the clinical discipline or research field, typically as first author.
Presents at national and international meetings.
Regularly participates in independent scientific review of journal articles and grants.
Mentors graduate students in own laboratory along with other mentors. Has Ph.D. students.
Demonstrates leadership activity in professional organizations.
Influences laboratory and relevant centers. Provides technical advice for initiatives.
Contributes to institutional leadership by serving on relevant ad hoc committees.
Develops productive collaborations with other established investigators outside laboratory at home institution.
Involved in technology transfer and creation of intellectual property. Files patents.
Participates in outpatient clinics and huddles and has close connection with relevant clinicians.
Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Reporting Relationships
Reports directly to the assigned Principal Investigator
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
Knowledge of measurement and statistics principles acquired through a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline from an accredited school and successful completion of a postdoctoral fellowship.
Minimum 2 years of related postdoctoral experience with a high level of proficiency and knowledge in measurement and statistics.
Requires expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts with a high level of analytical ability to design and conduct research projects.
Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought.
Uses professional concepts and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways. Works on problems of diverse scope in which analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
Requires a high level of proficiency in writing to prepare grant proposals, research reports and other publications, and explain complex results to a lay audience.
Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
Interpersonal skills needed in order to communicate effectively with other staff members, fellow researchers, and the like.
Normally receives no instructions on routine work, general instructions on new assignments.
Working Conditions
Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Pay and Benefits*:
Pay Range:
$82,700.00 - $137,500.00Benefits:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
*Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in a scientific discipline from an accredited school
- Successful completion of a postdoctoral fellowship
- Minimum 2 years of related postdoctoral experience
- Expert knowledge of measurement and statistics principles
- High level of analytical ability to design and conduct research projects
- Proficiency in scientific writing to prepare grant proposals, research reports, and publications
- Record of publishing original research in scientific journals, typically as first author
- Experience mentoring graduate students and supervising trainees
- Ability to develop independent research proposals and secure external funding (e.g., NIH, NSF, VA, foundation)
- Involvement in technology transfer and intellectual property (filing patents)
- Demonstrated leadership activity in professional organizations
What We Do
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. The quality of our care and research has led to the designation of “No. 1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991. Upon opening in March 2017, our $550 million, 1.2-million-square-foot research hospital became the first-ever “translational” hospital in which clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, surrounding patients, discovering new approaches and applying (or “translating”) research real time. This unique model enables patients to have 24/7 access to the brightest minds, the latest research and the best opportunity for recovery. Interested in joining our team? By doing so, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. We invite you to visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.sralab.org/careers






