12 Nov
2014
12 Nov
'14
9:04 a.m.
The Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre, University of
Nottingham is seeking to recruit two Research Associate/Fellows in the
field of magnetoencephalography (MEG). Successful candidates will work
on developing and applying novel ways to measure and understand the
intrinsic modes of functional coupling between functionally specific
brain regions. Specifically, areas of development will include: i) New
ways to model neural oscillations in local circuits; ii) Novel methods
to characterize long range linear and non-linear coupling and iii)
Measurement of dynamic changes in functional connectivity during basic
sensory and cognitive tasks. In addition, since electrophysiological
activity and connectivity is mediated by neurochemistry, successful
candidates will also be involved in performing parallel ultra-high field
(7T) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (^1 H and ^13 C) experiments in
order to relate the concentration of cortical neurotransmitters
(glutamate/GABA) to electrophysiological metrics in MEG. Finally these
metrics will be applied in schizophrenia in order to gain new insight
into how impaired network activity and connectivity underlies core symptoms.
The University of Nottingham has been at the forefront of imaging since
the introduction of MRI in the 1970’s. Indeed a rich history of novel
developments resulted in the award of a Nobel Prize to Sir Peter
Mansfield in 2003. The Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre
(SPMMRC), now headed by Prof. Peter Morris, remains at the forefront of
neuroimaging development with significant contributions in the fields of
MRI, MEG, multi-modal imaging, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI. The Centre is
equipped with a 275 channel MEG, 7T, 3T and 1.5T MR systems as well as
MR compatible 64 channel EEG. In addition, a £9m investment by the
Medical Research Council (announced in October 2014) will see upgrades
to 7T and MEG as well as the introduction of wide bore 3T and upright
MRI systems, to begin in 2015.
Candidates should have a PhD (or equivalent) or be nearing completion in
neuroimaging and strong interest/experience in developing methods plus
an undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or
appropriately related discipline.
There are two fixed term posts available, one for two years and one for
three years duration from 1 January 2015.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Matt Brookes, tel: 0115
9515188 or email matthew.brookes(a)nottingham.ac.uk
<mailto:matthew.brookes@nottingham.ac.uk>.