Research Professional 5 - Staff Scientist - Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL)

The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a PhD-level Staff Scientist (Research Professional 5 to lead preclinical programs related to neural oscillations and oscillation-locked neurostimulation. Our laboratory develops technologies for treating a variety of serious illnesses, including PTSD, major depression, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most of our work involves "responsive" or "closed loop" technologies that sense and respond to patients' brain activities. This specific portfolio of projects focuses on the concept of oscillation-locked stimulation, and specifically on technologies that induce neuroplasticity 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 the above.

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).

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.

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.

Questions may be directed to the laboratory principal investigator, Dr. Alik Widge, at awidge@umn.edu . General information about the lab can be found at http://www.tnelab.org .

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.