Postdoctoral Researcher – Closed-Loop Neurostimulation
The Fenno Lab and Paydarfar Lab at The University of Texas at Austin invite applications for a joint postdoctoral researcher position focused on closed-loop neurostimulation. This in-person role offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of computational modeling, systems neuroscience, and translational bioengineering.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Closed-loop neurostimulation and neuromodulation
- Computational modeling and machine learning
- Systems neuroscience
- Translational bioengineering
- Neural stimulation, recording, and behavioral analysis
- Central and peripheral nervous system research
Location
Austin, Texas, USA – In-person position at The University of Texas at Austin, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
About the Labs
The Fenno Lab develops molecules, viruses, and neurostimulation technologies to understand and treat brain disease. Its inventions are widely used in academia, connect human and preclinical research, and are advancing toward clinical applications.
The Paydarfar Lab develops mathematical models, machine-learning methods, physiological sensors, and electroceuticals for closed-loop neuromodulation.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Ph.D. or current graduate student status in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Biology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Equivalent experience gained through relevant research projects may also be considered.
- Experience conducting in vivo neuroscience research in rodents using neural stimulation and/or recording techniques.
- Comfort with computational approaches to behavioral analysis and an understanding of their fundamental principles.
- Interest in mechanistic research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and developing or troubleshooting novel methods.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing creative experimental assays.
- Familiarity with machine learning or data-driven design methods.
- Experience with behavioral analysis or pose-estimation-based tracking.
- Experience with in vivo protein expression and real-time calcium imaging.
- Experience with ex vivo methods, including activity-based labeling or histology.
- Knowledge of and experience in systems neuroscience.
Job Description
The selected researcher will lead experimental work to optimize electroceutical stimulation waveforms, with the goal of reducing output energy and improving circuit specificity. The role involves validating computational models against biological responses for applications across the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Collaborate with engineers and biologists to guide the development of closed-loop neurostimulation assays.
- Investigate complex neuronal pathways and translate findings into neural recording and behavioral assays.
- Develop screening and validation methods that support the transition from computational models to in vivo implementation.
- Lead rodent in vivo validation pipelines, including neural stimulation and recording, surgical workflows, behavioral assays, and ex vivo characterization.
- Optimize delivery vehicles, administration methods, and experimental parameters for robust, cell-type-specific expression.
- Measure outcomes in real time through fiber photometry or in vivo imaging.
- Collaborate with engineers to develop custom systems for recording nerve activation using force transducers, capnography, and optical or electronic methods.
- Work with computational theorists and engineers to define project goals and solve technical problems.
- Recruit and mentor research associates as needed.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the Fenno Lab recruiting page and submit a current CV along with contact information for two to three references. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification, provided they have a strong interest in the research and a desire to learn and contribute.
Last Date to Apply
Applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Apply Link
Apply through the Fenno Lab recruiting page
