Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Neuromodulation

Position Description:

The Intramural Research Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore, MD invites applications for a position as a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Learning and Decision-making Unit supervised by Thorsten Kahnt, which is part of the Cellular and Neurocomputational Systems Branch (CNSB), headed by Geoffrey Schoenbaum. The position is funded for up to five years, pending annual review.

The Fellow would work with other members of the team to plan, conduct, and disseminate original behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuromodulatory research on the cognitive functions and neural mechanisms underlying adaptive behavior. Depending on personal interests, Fellows could work on several different projects, and would be encouraged to develop independent projects related to learning and decision-making. The lab uses a range of techniques including fMRI, computational modeling, and TMS. Historically, a lot of the work in the lab has taken advantage of olfaction as a sensory model system critical for approach-avoidance behavior, food reward, learning, and memory.

The Kahnt Lab aims to foster a highly collaborative, supportive, diverse, and engaged atmosphere for creative cognitive neuroscientific research.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a PhD or MD degree, with training in neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, cognitive science, or related fields, and success in original research. In addition to proficiency in computer programming (Matlab, python, etc.), candidates should have a demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas: functional MRI, TMS, or olfactory psychophysics. Candidates should possess outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication abilities, experience with mentoring, and commitment to a healthy and diverse research environment.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and curriculum vitae (in a single pdf file) to thorsten.kahnt@nih.gov. Informal inquiries are welcome. Applications submitted before July 31st, 2023 will be given full consideration; applications will be considered until the position is filled. The start date is flexible.

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. We welcome applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.