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Job ID353299 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyResearch-Researchers Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9742R5 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin 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... For full info follow application link. 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.