Graduate Assistant; MS or PhD

The Locomotor and Movement Control Laboratory at Auburn University (Director: Dr. Jaimie Roper) is seeking highly motivated MS or PhD students for graduate assistantship positions beginning Fall 2026.

Our lab investigates mobility disability in aging and neurodegenerative and neurologic diseases, particularly Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremor, and Multiple Sclerosis. We use biomechanics, motor control, kinesiology, and neuroscience approaches to explore sensorimotor mechanisms underlying healthy and impaired gait. Our unique approach examines both orthopedic and neurologic contributions to movement dysfunction, integrating sensory input, motor output, and brain function.

Auburn's School of Kinesiology is ranked #12 nationally for its doctoral program by the National Academy of Kinesiology. We're a partner institution with the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science, providing access to additional training programs, professional development, and funding opportunities. Auburn offers a thriving research environment in a great college town with excellent outdoor recreation, centrally located less than 2 hours from Birmingham and Atlanta.

Self-directed students who take initiative, think critically, and thrive in collaborative environments. Our mentoring style emphasizes peer collaboration and mutual growth rather than top-down task lists. Students should be comfortable seeking out resources, learning independently and from all team members, and engaging in constructive feedback with faculty and peers. Research interests must align with our lab's mission of understanding and improving mobility in aging and/or neurologic populations.

Biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, motor control, physiology, biostatistics, computer science, or related fields. Experience with motion capture, force plates, EMG, programming (Python, R, MATLAB), or statistical analysis is valuable but not required.

Assist with data collection and analysis, conduct literature reviews, contribute to and lead manuscripts, maintain lab equipment, present at lab meetings, mentor undergraduates, and teach or assist with undergraduate courses (10-20 hrs/week).

Please submit the following materials to with the subject line: "GTA/GRA Application - [Your Last Name]"

• CV/resume
• Brief statement of research interests (1 page)
• Contact information for 2-3 references

Review of applications starts on March 01 and continues until filled.

• For questions about the position or lab, contact Dr. Jaimie Roper at jroper