Researcher 5 - Staff Scientist - Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory(TNEL)
Company: University of Minnesota
Location: Minneapolis
Posted on: April 16, 2024
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Job Description:
Apply for JobJob ID353299
LocationTwin Cities
Job FamilyResearch-Researchers
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
Regular/TemporaryRegular
Job Code9742R5
Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin
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About the Job
The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) at the
University of Minnesota is seeking a PhD-level Staff Scientist
(Researcher 5 to lead preclinical programs related to neural
oscillationsand oscillation-locked neurostimulation. Our laboratory
develops technologies for treating avariety of serious illnesses,
including PTSD, major depression, addiction, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most of our work involves
"responsive" or "closed loop" technologies thatsense and respond to
patients' brain activities. This specific portfolio of projects
focuses on theconcept of oscillation-locked stimulation, and
specifically on technologies that induceneuroplasticity by locking
stimulation to the phase of an ongoing brain oscillation. We are
using these technologies to modulate emotion, memory, and addictive
behavior in a variety of animal preparations. Oscillations and
rhythms are central to brain network function, and by manipulating
them, we believe we can influence almost every complex mental
function.
This specific position focuses on understanding and optimizing the
brain mechanisms of action of these technologies. You will
independently design and conduct experiments using pre-clinical
preparations (mostly rat; some human and some liaison with
non-human primate researchers). The goal is to understand the basic
questions of oscillation-locked stimulation such as: What are the
necessary and sufficient conditions to produce changes in brain
rhythms? What aspects of those rhythms are most tightly linked to
behavior? Which aspects of the experimental pipeline can lead to
more or less reliable outcomes? If we can answer these questions,
we can build general purpose tools for brain network control, tools
that can be the basis of novel treatments across disorders.We are
most interested in hiring at the Staff Scientist role, i.e. for a
candidate interested in a longer-term role providing substantial
independence within a larger group. If it aligns with your career
goals, there will be opportunities to serve as Principal
Investigator of research projects addressing these questions,
either from an applied or basic mechanisms perspective. Both
peer-reviewed scholarly outputs and commercial outputs (patents,
commercial/licensing activities) are likely results of this work.
For candidates interested in using this position as a springboard
to a traditional tenure-track faculty position, we may be able to
create a more traditional postdoctoral fellowship.
Job duties include:
* (20%) Design and execute pre-clinical experiments in
activity-dependent brain stimulation.
* (10%) Maintain experimental records with strong attention to
detail and completeness.
* (20%) Analyze and summarize experimental results, in formats
suitable for internal review and scientific dissemination in
peer-reviewed forums. This will include both written and graphical
communication.
* (20%) Assist with development of future research agendas and
funding proposals, including substantial independent technical
writing.
* (10%) Maintain compliance with all applicable governmental and
institutional regulations,
including drafting of formal protocols for approval and maintenance
of relevant records.
* (20%) Hire, train, and supervise bachelors-level research
technicians to assist with all of theabove.
You will be working in a rich and vibrant neuroscience community.
There are opportunities for collaboration and networking with
clinicians, human-oriented basic scientists, and engineers. That
collaboration is a core aspect of this role, where you will be
trying to identify general rules for brain network
manipulation.
Required Qualifications:
* PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant research field
(Engineering, neuroscience, psychology, physics, computer science,
or robotics. This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable
fields).
* Prior experience in neuroscience, and particularly with either
electrical brain stimulation or electrical brain recording.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Much of our
work requires explaining complex technical concepts to
non-domain-experts. This would be demonstrated in part by a record
of peer-reviewed scientific communication.
* Evidence of substantial capability for independent work,
problem-solving, and initiative-taking. This will be directly
solicited from references.
* Interpersonal skills appropriate for collaboration in a very
multidisciplinary and highly diverse environment.Preferred
Qualifications:* Prior experience specifically in closed-loop
stimulation or in the biology of neural oscillations.
* Strong quantitative/engineering skills, particularly in
electrophysiologic data analysis.
* Experience in or familiarity with optogenetic or pharmacogenetic
techniques (or related cell-specific manipulations).
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
* PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant research field
(Engineering, neuroscience, psychology, physics, computer science,
or robotics. This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable
fields).
* Prior experience in neuroscience, and particularly with either
electrical brain stimulation or electrical brain recording.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Much of our
work requires explaining complex technical concepts to
non-domain-experts. This would be demonstrated in part by a record
of peer-reviewed scientific communication.
* Evidence of substantial capability for independent work,
problem-solving, and initiative-taking. This will be directly
solicited from references.
* Interpersonal skills appropriate for collaboration in a very
multidisciplinary and highly diverse environment.Preferred
Qualifications:* Prior experience specifically in closed-loop
stimulation or in the biology of neural oscillations.
* Strong quantitative/engineering skills, particularly in
electrophysiologic data analysis.
* Experience in or familiarity with optogenetic or pharmacogenetic
techniques (or related cell-specific manipulations).
About the Department
The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) at the
University of Minnesota is seeking a PhD-level Staff Scientist
(Researcher 5 to lead preclinical programs related to neural
oscillationsand oscillation-locked neurostimulation. Our laboratory
develops technologies for treating avariety of serious illnesses,
including PTSD, major depression, addiction, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most of our work involves
"responsive" or "closed loop" technologies thatsense and respond to
patients' brain activities. This specific portfolio of projects
focuses on theconcept of oscillation-locked stimulation, and
specifically on technologies that induceneuroplasticity by locking
stimulation to the phase of an ongoing brain oscillation. We are
using these technologies to modulate emotion, memory, and addictive
behavior in a variety of animal preparations. Oscillations and
rhythms are central to brain network function, and by manipulating
them, we believe we can influence almost every complex mental
function.
Benefits
Working at the UniversityAt the University of Minnesota, you'll
find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are
interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance,
allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your
life outside of work.The University also offers a comprehensive
benefits package that includes:
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.Additional documents may be attached after application by
accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents
in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.Questions may be
directed to the laboratory principal investigator, Dr. Alik Widge,
at . General information about the lab can be found at .To request
an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or
call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.The University of Minnesota provides
equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance
status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)The University of
Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research
universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and
professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and
research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant,
diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in
Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with
world-renowned health centers, international corporations,
government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service
organizations.
Keywords: University of Minnesota, Coon Rapids , Researcher 5 - Staff Scientist - Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory(TNEL), Healthcare , Minneapolis, Minnesota
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