weekly job/phds announcements - 8 this week

1. Dear all, Poldracklab at Department of Psychology, Stanford University is looking for a full time Data Curator (DC) to help grow a repository for sharing and analysing scientific data at OpenfMRI.org. OpenfMRI.org is a project dedicated to the free and open sharing of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) datasets, including raw datas. To learn more about the OpenfMRI project, please go to https://openfmri.org/content/find-out-more. The Data Curator will work closely with Stanford scientists to push forward our vision of open and reproducible research. The DC will have Linux experience and passion for working with big datasets. The work will be performed in a dynamic environment, working directly with research scientists to run the OpenfMRI system in a flexible and agile manner. Challenges will include dealing with unusual datasets and unique experimental designs and accurately representing them in OpenfMRI platform. S/he will be trusted to manage relations with researchers submitting data and accurately represent their datasets with high degree of independence. S/he should be comfortable working with people and have strong communication skills. Every day at Stanford will present learning opportunities with the smartest minds in the world. The Data Curator’s work will have direct influence on availability of neuroimaging data, which will lead to better understanding on how the brain works and how to treat neurological disorders. If you are interested please apply here: https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=66924 ================== 2. Data Neuroimaging Analyst Position in Cambridge (UK) Applications are invited for an experienced and enthusiastic neuroimager to join the Drug Addiction Research group on 1 October 2015 for at least 2 years. The group focuses on functional and structural brain abnormalities associated with the risk of and resilience to drug addiction, and the effects that chronic drug exposure has on the brain. We use advanced structural (e.g. surface- and connectivity-based cortical parcellation, diffusion tractography) and functional (e.g. connectivity metrics, cognitive paradigms) magnetic resonance imaging methods in order to address our research questions. For information please see website: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/7027/ The closing date for applications is 15 June 2015. If you have any informal questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Karen Ersche via email to ke220(a)cam.ac.uk. =========================== 3. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN CLINICAL NEUROIMAGING THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY/ SIDNEY KIMMEL MEDICAL COLLEGE, PHILA., PA. The Department of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University/Jefferson Medical College has an opening for a Two-Year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Clinical Neuroimaging focusing on both clinical brain mapping and primary cognitive neuroscience investigations. The emphasis in our neuroimaging program is on cognitive and behavioral reorganization/plasticity following brain surgery for epilepsy. Other neurologic conditions, however, are also studied (tumor). Presurgical brain mapping studies are undertaken (MRI volumetrics, task-fMRI, resting state functional connectivity, diffusion imaging, electrocortical stimulation, neuropsychological assessment) as well as post-surgical neuroimaging studies investigating clinical, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. The pre-surgical brain mapping studies are conducted on a regular basis, utilized in image-guided surgery, and then made available for research. Studies in brain recovery and the cognitive reorganization of language and memory functions are emphasized, along with projects in electrophysiology and brain stimulation, yielding rich multi-modal datasets for the investigation of both cognitive and seizure networks. Thomas Jefferson University provides a interdisciplinary environment with grand rounds, seminars, case conferences, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty across departments such as neurosurgery and radiology. Successful applicants will have a strong background in image processing (e.g., MATLAB, SPM, FSL) with a strong interest in clinical neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience. Applicants must have a MD or PHD in neuroscience, biophysics, biomedical engineering, statistics, neuropsychology, or related field. Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter stating experience and interests, and three letters of recommendation. Anticipated start date is the summer of 2015. Contact: Joseph I. Tracy, Ph.D., ABPP(CN). Director, Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Mapping Laboratory, Thomas Jefferson Univ./Jefferson Medical Coll., Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 901 Walnut Street, Suite #447, Phila.,PA 19107, phone:#215-955-4661, e-mail: joseph.tracy(a)jefferson.edu. Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals is an equal Opportunity Employer. Jefferson values diversity and encourages applications from women, members of minority groups, LGBTQ individuals, disabled individuals, and veterans. ==================================== 4. The Laboratory of Psychophysiology, at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Warsaw, Poland) is seeking 1 postdoctoral fellow for a minimum commitment of 4 years. The project is funded by the National Science Centre grant “Maestro” – PI. Prof. Anna Grabowska. Project: The main objective of the project is to define the etiology of developmental dyslexia by studding the relationship between a variety of deficits known to contribute to reading disorder at three levels of analysis: behavioral, cognitive and neuronal. Job requirements: · background in neuroimaging · ambitious and highly motivated for pursuing a career in science · PhD in neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience or equivalent obtained up to 5 years before application · strong background and interest in neuroscience, MRI analysis and statistics · excellent publication record · programming and advanced data analyses skills are appreciated knowledge of Polish is desirable Candidates with a strong interest in and experience with methods for integrating multimodal imaging measures, including quantitative structural MRI and functional MRI as well as longitudinal data analysis are in particular encouraged to apply. LAB facilities: The position is based at Laboratory of Psychophysiology (http://pslab.nencki.gov.pl) in collaboration with Laboratory of Brain Imagining (LOBI, http://lobi.nencki.gov.pl), Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Warsaw (http://www.nencki.gov.pl/). LOBI provides state-of-the-art facilities with a fully research-dedicated 3 Tesla MRI Siemens Trio machine, well-established infrastructure for neurophysiological testing (electro-encephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation and eye-tracker). Research environment: The project offers a stimulating, young environment. We are currently collaborating with: · Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycho Linguistiques, ENS, France – Dr F. Ramus · Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, US - Prof. K. Pugh · Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Germany – Dr S. Heim · Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Austria – Dr F. Richlan · Department of Educational Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Prof. N. van Atteveldt · Institute of Radioelectronics, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland – Prof. P. Bogorodzki Starting date: October 2015 Application deadline: open until position is filled To apply: please send a CV, letter of motivation and three references to k.jednorog[at]nencki.gov.pl ======================== 5. The Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego is pleased to invite applications for a postdoctoral research scholar position in neuroimaging and behavior genetics under the direction of Drs. William Kremen (Psychiatry) and Anders Dale (Radiology and Neuroscience). The position focuses on training in the application of sophisticated neuroimaging methods (structural MRI, DTI, fMRI, and ASL) and associated studies that will be applied to the NIH/NIA-funded Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA). VETSA is a unique longitudinal study of middle-aged male twins that focuses on understanding cognitive and brain aging. Over 500 twins have undergone neuroimaging and extensive neurocognitive assessment, personality and psychosocial measures, a medical history interview, in-lab physical health measures, and hormonal assays. Genome-wide genotyping of all participants is currently underway. Wave 3 of the project, which was recently funded, will acquire new longitudinal and neuroimaging data. Applications from many disciplines may be considered, and the position is open to qualified international applicants. Requirements for the position are: 1) completion of relevant Ph.D. research activities within the past five years; 2) advanced neuroimaging and programming skills, 3) statistical knowledge, 4) evidence of writing skills, and 5) an interest in imaging genetics research. Experience with multilevel data analysis and/or genetics is desirable. The postdoctoral candidate will be encouraged to develop his or her own research projects that fit within the overall scope of the VETSA project. The position will entail immersion in MR image analysis and opportunities to learn about twin modeling. Experience with FreeSurfer and/or other neuroimaging software, R, and MATLAB is strongly preferred. This advertisement is for a 2-year appointment beginning immediately. Salary will be consistent with the NIH/NRSA levels in accordance with the University of California, San Diego for Postdoctoral trainees. Compensation includes UCSD benefits, including health insurance and vacation time. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, the UCSD Department of Psychiatry seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our strong commitment to the twin goals of achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. We are thus interested in candidates who are committed to the highest standards of scholarship and professional activities, and to the development of a climate that supports equality and diversity. To apply, please send a copy of your CV, a brief statement of research interests and goals, and any selected reprints to the email addresses below. Letters of reference will be required before final approval of hiring. Informal inquiries concerning this position are encouraged. Please e-mail Dr. Anders Dale (amdale(a)ucsd.edu) and Dr. William Kremen (wkremen(a)ucsd.edu) for more details. ================================ 6. Dear All We are looking for a PHD Student. Please read all détails : TEAM HOME Thematic : Neurosciences Team name: Institute for Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease Team Home Manager Supervisor Harald Hampel HAMPEL Harald(PU) Title of the research unit: : Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière (ICM), INSERM Name of Director : Alexis Brice PROPOSED TOPIC Title : Structural, Functional and Effective Connectivity of AD Related Neural Networks Project : Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position (3 years) at the Pierre and Marie Curie University (Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), UPMC, Paris, France), at the Doctoral School of Brain, Cognition, Behavior (Ecole Doctorale Cerveau-Cognition-Comportement, “ED3C”). The UPMC, part of the Sorbonne Universities, is the leading University in France in the area of science, technology, and medicine and among the leading universities in the world. The scientific policy of the “ED3C” is strongly characterized by its multidisciplinary nature and its commitment towards both human sciences and mathematical disciplines. Objectives : The PhD will be involved in the investigation of structural, functional and effective connectivity of neural network models related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such as the limbic system (especially the hippocampal formation, the amygdala, and the entorhinal cortex) and the basal forebrain cholinergic system using both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) including advanced tractography methods. The associations between brain pathology and indices of functional and structural connectivity are expected to help our understanding of the role of specific neural networks and their connectivity in brain function in healthy aging and neurodegenerative disease. The PhD student will be involved in the study of the multi-modal nature of specific neural networks – both in the structural and the functional domains and how these two components interact with each other – along with the staging spectrum of AD (from preclinical to prodromal to dementia). To this aim, he/she will have access to different landmark clinical cohorts and datasets of patients including the INSIGHT, SOCRATES, and EDSD cohorts. The PhD student will be involved in the exploration of the various uses that structural and functional neuroimaging biomarkers can play in detecting, diagnosing, assessing treatment response and in investigating neurodegenerative diseases with a special emphasis on AD. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of the AXA Research Fund and UPMC Chair, Prof. Harald Hampel, located at the Institute for Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease (IM2A) and the Brain & Spine Institute (Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM), Paris, the leading French Institute on brain research, centrally located within the Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital – Charles Foix. The Brain & Spine Institute (http://icm-institute.org/menu/actualites) is a widely renowned research centre of excellence of international dimensions. It brings together motivated scientists from various horizons and countries in order to develop innovative and cutting-edge research in the area of Neuroscience. Research teams work at the Brain & Spine Institute independently but are strictly interconnected through cross-disciplinary research programs (both basic and clinical), thus encouraging the amalgamation of different skills. The multidisciplinary approach to Neuroscience (Neurobiology, Neurochemistry, Neurogenetics, Neuropsychology as well as structural / functional / diffusion / molecular Neuroimaging) taken by the Brain & Spine Institute represents a vital and dynamic advance in research. Background There is growing evidence that brain activity supports complex cognitive function that occurs within large- scale brain networks rather than within single isolated brain regions. For the definition of connectivity of brain activity between brain regions, two major concepts have been applied (Horwitz, 2003). The first concept refers to functional connectivity, i.e., the correlation between neuronal changes within one brain region related to another (Friston, 1998). Functional connectivity has been applied to explore the correlative pattern of brain activity (Bokde et al., 2006; 2001). In contrast, effective connectivity refers to the causal influence of one brain region’s activity on another where that direction of influence can be explicitly modelled (Ramnani et al., 2004). Furthermore, global [rather than local] network properties may be characterized, using graph theory to describe the properties of a network’s architecture in terms of efficiency or connectedness (Bullmore & Sporns, 2009). In recent years, more and more centers have successfully begun employing formal network analyses as biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases (Hampel et al., 2014; 2012; Horwitz & Rowe, 2011). Actually, current understanding of the effects of focal damage on neural networks is rudimentary, even though such understanding could provide greater insight into important neurological and neurodegenerative diseases (Bokde et al., 2008; 2006). AD is characterized by early, non-linear dynamic, chronically progressive cellular and molecular2 mechanisms (protein misfolding) leading to neurodegeneration that translates clinically into multi-domain cognitive and behavioral decline, psychopathological disturbances with subsequent loss of function to perform day-to-day tasks and ultimately total loss of independence. Findings derived from neuroimaging studies of both the structural and functional organization of the human brain have led to the widely supported hypothesis that neural networks of temporally coordinated brain activity across different regional brain structures underpin cognitive function. Thus, a failure of the regions of a network to interact at a high level of coordination may underpin progressive cognitive decline which is present in AD (Bokde et al., 2009). The breakdown of network function may be due to interaction failure among the regions of a network, which is denoted the disconnection hypothesis (Friston, 1998). In other words, a disruption in the temporal- spatially coordinated activity among different regions in the brain rather than isolated changes in specific brain regions may underlie cognitive impairment in AD. The breakdown is thought to be due to progressive AD pathophysiology with underlying molecular mechanisms leading downstream to neuronal and synaptic dysfunction and ultimately to neuronal loss. Such AD-characteristic structural and functional alterations are hypothesized to reflect at least partially the progressive impairment of fiber tract connectivity and integrity (Stoub et al., 2006; Morrison & Hof, 2002), suggesting that the disconnection in AD is evident at both the functional and structural level. Notably, the multi-modal nature of networks should be examined, i.e., both the structural and functional components that define a network. Given the substantial changes that the brain undergoes with the presence of AD-related pathophysiology, these alterations will manifest themselves not only in the functional and structural modules but also in how the changes in the two domains interact with one another (Teipel et al., 2007a). Neuroimaging biomarkers will need to be developed and analyzed crossectionally and longitudinally in terms of underlying brain networks rather than in terms of individual regions (Horwitz & Rowe, 2011). Overall, the current discussion on AD argues that it presents in part a dynamically progressive structural, functional and metabolic disconnection syndrome that may undergo distinct stages from potentially reversible adaptation to functional compensation to irreversible decompensation. Studies using fMRI (Bokde et al., 2008; 2006) and electroencephalography (Jelles et al., 2008; Babiloni et al., 2006) demonstrate that synchronicity of brain activity is altered in AD and correlates with cognitive deficits. Moreover, recent advances in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter microstructural changes have made it possible to track axonal projections across the brain, revealing substantial regional impairment in fiber-tract integrity in AD (Teipel et al., 2011; Teipel et al. 2007b). This work will substantially help develop biomarkers for early detection, prediction and progression of AD and will support the discovery and validation of markers that map the effects of disease modifying therapies on the brain, ultimately providing much needed surrogate biological markers. Key references Horwitz B. (2003). Neuroimage 19:466–470. Friston KJ. (1998). Schizophr Res 30:115–125. Bokde ALW et al. (2006). Brain 129:1113–1124. Bokde ALW et al. (2001). Neuron 30:609–617. Ramnani N. et al. (2004). Biol Psychiatry 56:613–619. Bullmore E & Sporns O (2009). Nat Rev Neurosci 10:186–198. Hampel et al. (2014) Biochem Pharmacol 88:426-449. Hampel et al. (2012) Alzheimers Dement 8:312-336. Horwitz B & Rowe JB (2011). Prog Neurobiol 95:505-509. Bokde ALW. et al. (2008). Psychiatr Res Neuroimaging 163:248 259. Bokde ALW et al. (2009). Prog Neurobiol 89:125–133 Stoub TR et al. (2006). Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103:10041–10045. Morrison JH & Hof PR (2002). Prog Brain Res 136:467–486. Teipel SJ et al. (2007a). Brain 130:1745–1758. Jelles B et al. (2008). Clin Neurophysiol 119:837–841. Babiloni et al. (2006). Brain Res Bull 69:63–73. Teipel SJ et al. (2011) Hum Brain Mapp 32:1349-1362. Teipel SJ et al. (2007b). Neuroimage 34:985–995. Requirements The ideal candidate is expected to have a robust academic and science background. A preference will be given to students with profound knowledge in neuroscience, neuroimaging data analysis, applied mathematics, biostatistics, or computer science at the master’s level. Candidates demonstrating competencies on structural and functional MRI methods, knowledge and experience with MRI-related data analysis packages (SPM, Matlab, Freesurfer, AFNI), statistical softwares (e.g., SPSS or R), and programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++) will have a strong advantage. The candidate has to be fluent both in written and spoken English. The position is expected to begin in October 2015. Applications should include a full Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter detailing the applicant’s interest and motivation for this position. Two letters of academic reference, assessing the applicant’s skills, research and learning potential, ability to team work and personality, should be sent independently by the referees. Applications together with all documents, including reference letters, should be submitted electronically to: e.mirassou-ihu(a)icm-institute.org with reference to “PhD position" in the E-mail header. Applications must be received within the 30th of June 2015. Best, -- Elodie Mirassou Assistante du Professeur Harald Hampel, MD, PhD, MA, MSc AXA Research Fund & UPMC Chair Sorbonne Universities Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 Institut de la Mémoire et de la Maladie d’Alzheimer & Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM) Département de Neurologie Pavillon François Lhermitte Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière 47 Boulevard de l’hôpital 75651 Paris CEDEX 13 Phone: + 33 (0) 1 42 16 75 21 (office) Email: e.mirassou-ihu(a)icm-institute.org ======================================= 7. Applications are Invited from prospective candidates for the following positions at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. The research topics are Junior Research Fellow: Statistical learning of Category Information: A neuroimaging investigation Senior Research Fellow: Integration of Perceptual and Value based decision making Post doctoral Fellow: Topic to be discussed within the areas of motor learning, decision making, early detection of Alzheimers disease using connectivity and machine learning approaches. Techniques and Methodologies include Eye tracking, and EEG Candidates for JRF and SRF posts will have a Masters degree in Science and have qualified a national level eligibility test OR a Masters degree in professional courses such as Engineering. Applications for SRF position will need to have an additional two years of Research Experience Krishna Prasad Miyapuram (Ph.D. Cantab) Assistant Professor (Cognitive Science & Computer Science) Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar VGEC Campus | Chandkheda - 382424 | Ahmedabad, India ======================== 8. Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the Wellcome Trust Consortium for Neuroimmunology of Mood Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease (NIMA). The post will be based at the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre (CISC), Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton UK, under the supervision of Dr Neil Harrison. NIMA is a 5-year research programme, with total funding of approximately £5.7M, designed to translate the new inter-disciplinary science of neuroimmunology to therapeutic applications in psychiatry and neurology. The research programme will be coordinated across a network of UK academic centres (University of Sussex, University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, University of Glasgow, King’s College London, University of Oxford and University of Southampton) and two major pharmaceutical companies (Janssen Pharmaceuticals R&D and H. Lundbeck A/S). The scientific scope of the research will include clinical biomarker studies, therapeutic trials of new drugs in patients with depression and Alzheimer’s disease, and animal experiments, and is intended to develop new treatment approaches for these conditions. Dr Neil Harrison (University of Sussex) and Prof Ed Bullmore (University of Cambridge) will co-lead MRI components of the Consortium which will be undertaken at Sussex, Cambridge, Glasgow, KCL & Oxford. The post will be based at the Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre (CISC) on the University of Sussex campus and will involve close coordination with Cambridge as well as each of the other imaging sites. The research programme will use a range of advanced quantitative techniques including models of magnetisation transfer (qMT), T1/ T2 mapping and diffusion imaging (NODDI), as well as task-related functional imaging and graph theoretic analyses of multi-echo resting state fMRI in conjunction with peripheral and CSF immunophenotyping to investigate the neural and peripheral signatures of inflammation in patients with depression. Comparable techniques as well as histology will be acquired in rodent inflammation models (KCL) to facilitate back-translation of the human imaging findings. The post holder will work closely with a postdoc based at Cambridge and other researchers at both sites to analyse all of the imaging data acquired from up to 150 patients and controls. This post offers an outstanding opportunity to be involved in a large multi-centre consortium combining cutting-edge microstructural and functional neuroimaging with deep immunological phenotyping to characterise the role of inflammation in the commonest mental disorder depression. The successful candidate will assist in the initial quality control of sequences across imaging centres and the analysis and interpretation of the imaging data. The post will involve close collaboration with other leading UK neuroimaging groups as well as groups working on functional immunological network changes. For more information and link to application form: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/196 ===================