Post Doctoral Associate-Kozai Lab

University of Pittsburgh • Pittsburgh, PA

5h

About The Position

The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the Kozai lab. Incumbent will be responsible for conducting research on implantable neural interfaces, focusing on photostimulation, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), and neural imaging. This role will involve designing, optimizing, and executing experiments that explore novel photostimulation technologies, particularly in the context of neural prosthetics and artificial sensory perception. The candidate will develop and characterize Wireless Axon stimulators, evaluating their spatial selectivity, stability, and long-term functionality within neural tissue.
In addition, the postdoctoral associate will employ in vivo two-photon microscopy and advanced imaging techniques to analyze the activation of different neuronal subtypes in response to stimulation. They will use molecular tools such as GCaMP6 and tdTomato to visualize and quantify neuronal and glial activity. Data collection, signal processing, and statistical analysis will be critical components of the role, requiring proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and ImageJ/Fiji for image and signal analysis.
The candidate will be expected to contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations to disseminate research findings. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians, will be essential for advancing neuroengineering solutions. Additionally, the associate will mentor graduate and undergraduate students, providing technical expertise and guidance in experimental design and data analysis.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Material Science, or Mathematics.
• Expertise in in vivo multiphoton microscopy, neurostimulation, or neuromodulation, particularly in the visual cortex.
• Proficiency in signal processing and computational analysis using MATLAB, Python, or other relevant software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with experience in manuscript preparation and conference presentations.
• Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research techniques and data analysis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electrochemistry, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) preferred.
• Knowledge of neurobiology related to brain injuries and neurodegeneration (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke) is advantageous.
• Experience with designing and conducting in vivo electrophysiology or optogenetics experiments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research on implantable neural interfaces, focusing on photostimulation, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), and neural imaging.
• Designing, optimizing, and executing experiments that explore novel photostimulation technologies, particularly in the context of neural prosthetics and artificial sensory perception.
• Developing and characterizing Wireless Axon stimulators, evaluating their spatial selectivity, stability, and long-term functionality within neural tissue.
• Employing in vivo two-photon microscopy and advanced imaging techniques to analyze the activation of different neuronal subtypes in response to stimulation.
• Using molecular tools such as GCaMP6 and tdTomato to visualize and quantify neuronal and glial activity.
• Data collection, signal processing, and statistical analysis.
• Contributing to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations to disseminate research findings.
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians.
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, providing technical expertise and guidance in experimental design and data analysis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree