Researcher 4 Supervisor - Physiologic Biomarkers of Psychiatric Illness

Researcher 4 Supervisor- Research Scientist - Physiologic Biomarkers of Psychiatric Illness

The Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory (TNEL) in the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry has a multi-year funded opening for a post-doctoral Researcher in the general area of biomarkers discovery. Our laboratory develops technologies to reverse the circuit impairments that cause mental illness, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and addictions. Our work is regularly published in high-impact clinical, engineering, and scientific journals. More information is available at http://www.tnelab.org/ . This specific position will be working on a project to use standardized stimuli (psychophysical tasks), electroencephalography, and other forms of physiologic recording to detect when patients are experiencing suicidal thinking or other severe psychiatric symptoms.

The job duties will be:
* (20%) Collect physiologic data from human participants performing standardized psychological tasks.
* (20%) Lead set-up and maintenance of experimental rigs, including troubleshooting of acquisition software and hardware as needed.
* (10%) Assist with task and experiment design and redesign to maximize the quality and signal content of collected data.
* (10%) Maintain experimental records with strong attention to detail and completeness.
* (10%) Analyze and summarize experimental results, in formats suitable for internal review and scientific dissemination in peer-reviewed forums. This will include both written and graphical communication.
* (10%) Maintain compliance with all applicable governmental and institutional regulations, including drafting of formal protocols for approval and maintenance
of relevant records.
* (20%) Hire, train, and supervise bachelors-level research technicians to assist with all of the above.

Our laboratory includes both animal and human research components, and you will interact almost daily with other neuroscientists and engineers. There are extremely broad
opportunities for collaboration and networking with clinicians, basic neuroscientists, and engineers. This is a patient-facing role, as most research participants will have some
symptoms.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and five (5) years of related experience, doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, or a combination of related education and experience to equal nine (9) years. "Relevant" is broad. Psychology, neuroscience, engineering, cognitive science, and many other disciplines could qualify.
• Strong programming skills. MATLAB or Python is essential. R would be helpful, as would JavaScript, but they are not required.
• Prior experience with physiologic recordings in humans, resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Much of our work requires explaining complex technical concepts to non-domain-experts. This job in particular involves coordinating between multiple laboratories.
• Evidence of substantial capability for independent work, problem-solving, and initiative-taking. This will be directly solicited from references.
• Interpersonal skills appropriate for collaboration in a very multidisciplinary and highly diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience specifically in EEG or other neuroscience work with psychiatric populations.
• Prior training or experience in machine learning analyses.
• Prior work in parametric modeling or latent-variable models of behavior
• Experience with experimental or clinical brain stimulation.

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota strives to fulfill the tripartite mission of the Medical School: excellence in teaching, research, and clinical service.

Our mission is to:

• Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health
• Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness
• Train the next generation of experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond
• Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

You may also send a PDF cover letter and CV including publication list to Alik Widge, MD, PhD at awidge@umn.edu .

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.