Postdoctoral Research Associate , INBRAIN Laboratory

The INBRAIN Laboratory is hiring a new postdoctoral researcher (PDR).

The Integrative NeuroBehavioral Research and Intervention (INBRAIN) Laboratory is a small state-of-the-art facility within the Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR). We use causal and correlational approaches, advanced analytical techniques, and behavioral/clinical models to better understand and improve brain-body interactions in humans in vivo. Our research is focused on: 1) understanding use- and pathology-dependent plasticity; 2) enhancing physical and cognitive performance; and 3) improving human neuroscience techniques. The laboratory is equipped with navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); TMS-compatible EEG; wireless EMG; electrical stimulation; physiological sensing; psychometrics; eye-tracking; high-performance computing; and more. The laboratory is directed by Shawn Flanagan, who will work closely with the PDR as their supervisor and mentor.

The PDR will focus on the neurobiological basis of human performance optimization, the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on function in health and disease, and neurotechnology development and mechanisms of action. The role of the PDR at the INBRAIN Laboratory is an important one. The work will include: data processing and analysis, manuscript and funding submission support, technical troubleshooting, preliminary experiments, and (potentially) software application development. We have worked with many individuals over the years and have a good sense of what works well for us:

1. You have to be a creative, highly motivated scientist with strong critical thinking and technical skills to learn and develop new approaches that help answer questions and solve problems independently and collaboratively.

1. You have to be technical. You don't have to be a programmer, but must understand technology at a fairly fundamental level. Our analysis techniques emphasize rigor, converging evidence, and strong inference. Practically speaking, this means we spend a lot of time working across different programs, trying things that aren't frequently done, and working with promising but buggy open-source packages with limited/no support (think MATLAB, R, and Python). In addition, you need to understand the importance of human quality control.

1. You have to be a writer. A strong publication record provides some supporting evidence, but the key considerations are that you want to write, value writing, and are committed to honing your writing skills.

1. You have to have a PhD degree. Hands-on research experience in behavioral neuroscience, neurophysiology, or neurobiology (MRI, EEG, data science, TMS, biochemistry, physiology) is advantageous, but the most important attributes are your curiosity, drive to learn, and genuine interest in the work. We are looking for someone with a track record (in all areas of life) of taking the initiative to make things happen and deftly navigating obstacles to find solutions. Fortitude is important.

1. Your career progression is important to us: you will have time to read, write, present, network, apply for funding, learn new techniques and perspectives, and build your "toolkit" as an early-career scientist.

The specifics. We're based in North Chicago - you will need to be here or move here. Salary and benefits are commensurate with NIH and RFUMS guidelines - better than what you made as a doctoral student and worse than you'd make in industry. This is a one-year position that may be extended to two or three years depending on our ability to secure funding. You can start immediately.

If you are still interested, here's how to apply: Submit your CV, the names and contact information of two references, and a half-page letter stating your research interests and goals.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. RFU is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, cardiac resuscitation, and gait and balance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher include:

• Data processing and analysis
• Manuscript and funding submission support
• Technical troubleshooting
• Preliminary experiments
• Software application development

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
• Compliance with the current COVID19 vaccination policy

Required Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree
• Research experience in behavioral neuroscience, neurophysiology, neurobiology, or data science

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Creative and highly motivated
• Strong critical thinking and technical skills
• Strong writing skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• Proficiency with scientific programming in R, MATLAB, Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MRI, EEG, data science, TMS, biochemistry, physiology

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets