Job
Postdoctoral Fellow - Computational Neuromodulation
National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area
About the position
The Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit (NNU), Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program is recruiting for the position of postdoctoral fellow focusing on computational neuromodulation. The NNU is committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. The NNU specializes in the development of novel noninvasive neuromodulation tools (including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and experimental forms of seizure therapy) for the study and treatment of brain-based disorders in psychiatry. Activities of the NNU include design and fabrication of novel devices for electrical and magnetic stimulation of the brain, modeling of the electric field induced in the brain by noninvasive devices, testing of novel devices and paradigms in healthy volunteers to optimize the efficiency and potency of neuroplastic effects, and clinical testing in patient populations of target-engagement and therapeutic neuromodulation. Current projects apply computational techniques to study the physics and mechanisms of neurostimulation, and to optimize dosing and individualization. We use finite element modeling (FEM) to characterize the electric and magnetic fields induced in the brain by various transcranial stimulation modalities including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), magnetic seizure therapy (MST), transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), and low-field magnetic stimulation (LFMS).
We aim to develop biophysically principled models of the electromagnetic field effects on neural circuit dynamics. The methodological focus will be on combined neural modeling with transcranial brain stimulation. The postdoctoral fellow will provide mentoring of post-baccalaureate intramural research training awardees (post-bac IRTAs).
Apply for this vacancy
What you'll need to apply
Applicants are invited to submit a curriculum vitae including publication list, a one-page summary of research interests, and names and contact details of three referees to:
Contact name
Zhi-De Deng
Contact email
Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds a PhD and/or MD degree in engineering, physics, computer science, neuroscience, mathematics, psychiatry, or related disciplines, and has solid technical skills and programming/data analysis experience (e.g., MATLAB, Python, NEURON, FEM, etc.).
Additional Information
Women and persons from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.