Post-Doctoral Associate - Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Illness

The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry has a multi-year Federally funded opening for a postdoctoral scholar working at the intersection of neuroscience, electrophysiology, human behavior, and clinical brain stimulation. Our laboratory develops technologies to reverse the circuit impairments that cause mental illness, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and addictions. Our work is regularly published in high-impact clinical,
engineering, and scientific journals. More information is available at http://www.tnelab.org/ .

The funded projects involve collection and analysis of invasive (local field potential) and non-invasive (EEG) brain recordings from patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for severe mental illness and, in rare cases, chronic pain. There are some ancillary opportunities to engage with patients receiving other neuromodulation interventions, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and other experimental invasive approaches. We are a relatively high volume site and have multiple NIH and industry sponsored clinical trials active at any given time.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

* (30%) Analyze and summarize neurophysiologic and behavioral data in time, time-frequency, and connectivity domains, employing a variety of mathematical and statistical approaches.
* (10%) Collect invasive and non-invasive physiologic data from human participants, in conjunction with neurostimulation. This includes maintenance of experimental records with strong attention to detail and completeness.
* (10%) Design and/or rework experimental paradigms to maximize the quality and signal content of collected data.
* (10%) Maintain familiarity with the scientific literature in psychiatric neurostimulation to provide context for experimental plans,
* (10%) Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts, and material for grant proposals summarizing experimental results and communicating their importance.
* (10%) Maintain necessary immunizations, training, documentation, and other requirements needed to compassionately and appropriately work with patients living with mental illnesses.
* (20%) Hire, train, and supervise bachelors-level research technicians to assist with all of the above.

Depending on your interests, there are opportunities to gain training and experience with:
* Computational modeling and analysis of complex human behavior
* Real-time brain signal interpretation and closed-loop intervention
* Clinical hardware and software development
* Novel signal analysis and modeling paradigms
* The clinical neurobiology of mental illness and decision-making deficits

Regulatory pathways (FDA, IRB, etc.) related to human invasive research, including being involved in FDA interactions if desired. Many of these skills could form the basis for independent work and a future career. UMN has multiple training and seed grant programs to support that transition to independence.

Our laboratory includes both animal and human research components, and you will interact daily with other neuroscientists and engineers working at the cutting edge of brain stimulation. There are also opportunities for collaboration and networking with clinicians, basic neuroscientists, and engineers. Our lab is very focused on mentoring and developing junior personnel, and the PI will work with you to ensure that you are submitting competitive applications for fellowships and other grants on the pathway to independence. We also have strong industry relations for researchers interested in careers outside academia, and we are willing to create tracks to staff scientist positions for candidates who wish to remain in academia but not pursue PI-level roles.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D., DDS, DVM, JD, MD or equivalent is required.

The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness
• Train the next generation of experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

Pay Range: The University follows NIH guidelines. Below is the salary range, depending on education/qualifications/experience:

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Pay Range: The University follows NIH guidelines. Below is the salary range, depending on education/qualifications/experience:

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

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.