Job Description

Postdoctoral Associate / Research Scientist – Systems Neuroscience and/or Neuroengineering

The Schwerdt lab () invites applications for a postdoctoral associate, research scientist, or research associate position at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) (Department of Bioengineering, Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition).

About the Position

Our lab uses cutting-edge techniques to investigate the basal ganglia systems including the dopamine neuromodulator dynamics and their involvement in learning and decision making. Our goal is to elucidate the neural processes underlying these behaviors and how they become compromised in debilitating disorders like Parkinson’s disease. We work with Rhesus monkeys to probe the behaviors and circuits that closely resemble those of humans, including complex learning strategies and skeletomotor control—functions that are also affected in Parkinson’s. We integrate high-density electrophysiology (e.g., Neuropixels), optical sensors / fiber photometry (e.g., Dlight), fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and custom-made high-density sensing arrays, with carefully designed behavioral tasks. Many of our research projects are highly interdisciplinary (neurophysiology, behavior, computational, clinical etc.) and leverage collaboration with experts across Pitt, CMU, UPMC, and external institutes to maximize the quality and impact of our work. We also try to bridge our animal work with human studies. For example, we have underway plans for dopamine measurements in humans in collaboration with neurosurgeons. Finally, our lab also involves developing new tools to measure neurochemical and electrical neural activity (spikes and oscillations) chronically and at high density in primates (monkeys and humans). We are looking for someone who is passionate about one or more of these areas of research being applied in our lab, and willing to learn and lead in a challenging and fast-paced multi-disciplinary environment.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, engineering, biology, psychology, computer science or another computational major, mathematics, physics, or other related fields
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, work ethics and motivational drive
• Ability to design and carry out research independently, with evidence of high quality research (e.g., publication record)

Other Desired Qualifications

Highly competitive applicants will have experience in one or more of the following:

• Animal handling and surgeries (preferably nonhuman primates, or willing to learn)
• Electrophysiology or others forms of recording neural activity
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral training
• Programming in MATLAB or Python
• Data science, statistics, machine learning, modeling, dynamical systems, or other advanced computational and/or mathematical techniques to analyze neural data

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Benefits: Comprehensive Pitt employee benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, retirement plans, and professional development support.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email Helen Schwerdt (hes100@pitt.edu): a summary of the applicant’s research experience, research interest, and long-term goals; a CV with contact information for 3 references; and up to 3 representative publications. Visit schwerdt.pitt.edu for more information about the lab’s recent research.

The Department of Bioengineering is strongly committed to a diverse academic environment and places high priority on attracting female and underrepresented minority candidates. We strongly encourage candidates from these groups to apply for the position. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

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