Applications are invited for a fully funded position at the rank of postdoctoral student to join the Brain Networks and Neurophysiology (NetPhys) Lab. Salary will be commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with salary and benefits available for a period of three years. Starting date is September 2016 (negotiable).
In addition to a doctoral degree, the student needs to have demonstrated proficiency in writing code and should have strong analytical skills in processing brain imaging data (in fMRI or in MEG/EEG). The student will be trained in 1. How to use and combine information from different brain imaging modalities (fMRI, MEG/EEG) with the most current methods, 2. Gain expertise in cognitive neuroscience and clinical pain research. Through this training the student will learn how to use brain data and cognitive neuroscience to develop neuropsychiatric biomarkers.
The NetPhys Lab is dedicated to understanding the behavioral relevance of neural communication in large-scale brain networks. We use pain as our modality for understanding how the brain processes internal and external information to generate perception. We also observe how ongoing mental processes alter pain perception. Our overall goal is to establish the scope and limits as to which we will be able to use brain imaging for predicting complex behavior such as pain. Our core focus is on predictive analytics geared at using multimodal brain imaging data to develop tools that can predict treatment outcomes, especially in chronic pain patients in all ages and across the lifespan. Other projects will study brain networks in altered states of consciousness—such as general anesthesia or mindful-awareness meditation—in multimodal data.
The planned studies will use leading-edge-imaging methods to analyze multimodal data (MEG, EEG, fMRI, DTI and EEG) combined with quantitative data analysis with a special focus on intrinsic and dynamic brain networks. This is thus a unique opportunity to contribute towards new models of brain function and to build transferable skills such as use of multimodal brain imaging, machine learning, dynamic connectivity and graph theory based network analysis in predictive analytics.
Statistical, computational and signal processing skills are required for this research. We are especially interested in devotion to advanced quantitative data analysis including the ability to write code and/or to modify existing analysis code. The ideal applicant will have direct experience using MATLAB/Bash for analyzing brain data. Expertise in analyzing HCP or other open source data is a plus. Experience with source based MEG/EEG or the ability and motivation to combine M/EEG sources with fMRI will be an advantage. Expertise in computational modelling is a big plus.
The NetPhys lab is based in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University. Brain imaging projects will be conducted in collaboration with the vibrant brain imaging research environment, in a leading neuroimaging facility (http://www.bioticimaging.com/). You will work in a supportive environment consisting of neuroscientists, computer scientists and clinical research experts.
Halifax is a port city, rich with culture and history, and is encircled in extraordinary coastal line and landscapes. The city has a bustling academic environment with six major universities located in the city municipality. It offers opportunities to think creatively, learn in a nurturing environment, explore nature, and focus on self-growth.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and current CV (including a list of scholarly publications), along with the names and contact information for three referees to Javeria.Hashmi@dal.ca by August 1st, 2016.