The successful applicant will be expected to work collaboratively within the NMRC on clinical studies focusing on the pathophysiology of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor. The successful applicant will utilize intraoperative microelectrode recordings and recordings from DBS electrode contacts to study how movement disorders and therapeutic interventions (i.e. DBS, medication) impact neuronal network activity, and how these changes relate to the development and improvement in symptom severity.

The candidate should have a strong quantitative background and signal processing expertise appropriate for the analysis of neural population dynamics during motor behavior. Candidates with experience in movement physiology and computer programming are encouraged to apply. Experience conducting behavior and neurophysiology experiments in humans is preferred. Individuals with backgrounds in computational neuroscience and brain-machine interfaces are also encouraged to apply. The candidate should have a strong record of presenting research results through publications and presentations. An immediate postdoctoral position is available, but applications from individuals who have not yet completed their doctoral degree are also encouraged (please see fellowship opportunity below).

The NMRC offers a collaborative and translationally focused training and work environment and resides under the Department of Neurology in the School of Medicine. The Department of Neurology is a well-balanced program with significant achievements in teaching, clinical programs and research. The University of Minnesota shall provide 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.

Early funding opportunity highlight:

RFA-MH-18-510 - BRAIN Initiative Fellows: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32) - The purpose of the BRAIN Initiative Fellows (F32) program is to enhance the research training of promising postdoctorates, early in their postdoctoral training period, who have the potential to become productive investigators in research areas that will advance the goals of the BRAIN Initiative. Applications are encouraged in any research area that is aligned with the BRAIN Initiative, including neuroethics. Applicants are expected to propose research training in an area that clearly complements their predoctoral research. Formal training in analytical tools appropriate for the proposed research is expected to be an integral component of the research training plan. In order to maximize the training potential of the F32 award, this program encourages applications from individuals who have not yet completed their terminal doctoral degree and who expect to do so within 12 months of the application due date. On the application due date, candidates may not have completed more than 12 months of postdoctoral training. https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-MH-18-510.html

Job Duties/Responsibilities:
85% - Research duties: Data collection, analysis, method development, publication of results in manuscripts, proceedings, and conference abstracts
5% - Career Development: Professional skills, leadership training, technical skills development
5% - Outreach: Patient/community outreach, Industry Partnerships
5% - Travel: Attending/presenting at local/national/international conferences

The Department of Neurology at the University of Minnesota invites applications to fill a Post-doctoral associate positions in the Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC), directed by Professor Jerrold Vitek, M.D. Ph.D. Candidates with a Ph.D., a M.D., or equivalent degree, with a record of outstanding training in biomedical engineering, motor control, movement physiology, computational neuroscience, systems neuroscience or related engineering/science field are encouraged to apply. Those with human research experience and proficient in computer programming are of particular interest.

The NMRC is an NIH-funded research program studying the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, novel applications of deep brain stimulation technology to the treatment of neurological disease, the mechanisms of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor system neurophysiology. The NMRC is part of the University of Minnesota Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease, whose mission is to conduct clinical, multidisciplinary, translational and basic research that improves the understanding of and develops better treatments for patients with Parkinson's disease. Our goal is to obtain a better understanding of how DBS and medical therapy change brain function to improve movement in patients with PD and to apply this knowledge to optimize DBS and medical therapy for patients affected by Parkinson’s disease.

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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.

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