Job Description

There is an opening in Prof. Deblina Sarkar’s research group at MIT for a Postdoctoral Associate specializing in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in large animals or humans.  The project will focus on investigating the effects of tDCS on neuroplasticity and its potential applications in improving memory as well as treating neurological diseases.  Extensive experience designing and conducting studies for applying tDCS in large animals (canines, pigs, primates and others) or humans is a MUST.  Those who have worked only with rodents may not apply.  Experience with performing clinical studies is highly preferred but not required.  Strong skills in data analysis and interpretation are also required.  Experience with designing optimized multi-electrode tDCS setups and protocols, assessing neuroplastic changes through various diagnostic techniques (EEG, MEG, fMRI, TMS evoked potentials), understanding electrophysiological and biochemical mechanisms of tDCS action, and accurate patient specific computational modeling of tDCS-induced electric fields within the human brain are preferred.

For details visit:  https://web.mit.edu/deblina-sarkar/tDCS.html

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze tDCS experiments targeting various brain regions in human subjects;
• Conduct neuropsychological assessments and neurophysiological measurements (e.g., EEG, MEG, fMRI, TMS evoked potentials) to evaluate the neuroplastic effects/excitability changes due to tDCS;
•  Develop/use computational models to simulate and predict the effects of electric fields generated by tDCS in the human brain using MRI data and optimize electrode montages and tDCS protocols for patient specific treatment;
• Design and implement conventional as well as multi electrode optimized setups for tDCS in human subjects;
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including neuroscientists, biologists, clinicians, and engineers to advance the application of tDCS in therapeutic settings;
• Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations at scientific conferences;
• Contribute to the mentoring and training of junior lab members, including research assistants and graduate students in tDCS techniques.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD or a relevant degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant field;
• Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting tDCS studies in large animal or human subjects and evaluating study outcomes;
•  Proficiency/familiarity in the use of neuroimaging and neurophysiological tools (eg. EEG, MEG, fMRI, TMS evoked potentials) for research purposes/to evaluate neuroplastic changes;
• Familiarity with administration of neuropsychological tests and data interpretation;
• Proficiency/familiarity with the electrophysiological and biochemical mechanisms of tDCS action in humans and animal models;
• Background/familiarity in modeling and simulation of tDCS-induced electric fields in the human brain and optimizing tDCS setups based on simulation;
• Proficiency/familiarity in designing conventional setups for tDCS applications as well as developing novel setups with optimized electrode geometry, position and/or number for optimized treatment designs;
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team;
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals;
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Prior work in clinical research involving neurological or psychiatric populations;
• Experience/knowledge in therapeutic applications of tDCS on various neurological diseases (eg. Epilepsy, bipolar affective disorder, depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, PTSD);
• Experience in designing and performing tDCS experiments in animal models and/or brain slices, and electrophysiological investigation of neuroplastic changes;
• Experience/familiarity with advanced computational modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Python) for modeling tDCS-induced electric fields using patient specific MRI data;
• Knowledge of current theories and research in brain stimulation for inducing neuroplastic changes;
• Expertise in statistical analysis and data management;
• Expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials.

This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of extension based on funding and course of research.

To apply, please visit  MIT's careers at  https://hr.mit.edu/careers  and search for job ID number #23991.