Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-21015-025

Details of Research Project: 

Neuromodulation therapies (DBS, TMS, LIFU) have emerged as promising treatment options for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Although their mechanisms are not fully understood, these neuromodulation therapies are generally thought to exert therapeutic effects through local modulation at the stimulation site and downstream effects on connected neural circuits. Advanced multimodal neuroimaging over decades has substantially improved understanding of dysfunction in distributed brain networks involved in each disorder and now allows us to identify neuromodulation targets based on these network features. We will characterize multimodal network features associated with neuromodulation targets and established imaging biomarkers to select the best candidate, track brain remodeling, provide precise personal target location, and predict long-term clinical outcomes. 

Technical Duties: (include any protocols)

1. Multimodal image preprocessing to identify imaging biomarkers for various neuromodulation therapies
2. Establish image-guided neuromodulation targeting 
3. Collaborate with a clinician to provide high-level research support for clinical decision-making
4. Machine learning approaches to characterize biomarkers and predict targets, circuits, and outcomes

Educational and other Requirements for the position:

1. Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Bio & Brain Science, Data Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering 
2. Excellent coding skills (Python, Matlab, Shell script)
3. Handle multimodal image data processing (i.e. FSL, AFNI, MRTRIX, FREESURFER)
4. Structural and functional image data processing and analysis
5. Strong knowledge of image statistical analysis 
6. Strong knowledge of machine learning approaches 
7. Strong communication skills and a strong interest in neuromodulation research

Experience Required:

1. Strong experience in functional and structural MRI image processing
2. Strong experience in machine learning-based image analysis
3. Familiarity with image processing software
4. Experience in multimodal integration
5. Previous experience in image-based neuromodulation research 

Goals/Outcomes of the Research Project: 

1. Characterize functional and structural brain states for neuromodulatory therapies
2. Establish circuit-based neuromodulation targeting
3. Establish brain monitoring imaging biomarkers for neuromodulation
4. Develop an imaging-based adaptive DBS approach