PostDoc Position – Neurodegenerative Disease Focused Neuromodulation Researchers

Pittsburgh                 ·                Full time

Bio-Integrating Optoelectric Neural Interface & Cybernetics Lab

Integrating Innovation with Imagination @ University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering.

About us:

We are a collaborative team of engineering scientists that are pioneering the frontier at the intersect of neurophysiology and neural interface technology with the following goals: (1) Manipulation of neuronal and non-neuronal cells to influence the function of neuronal networks, (2) Understanding the role of neuroimmune cells in neural circuit function, neurodegeneration, and regeneration, and (3) Improving long-term performance of implanted electrodes and integrating man-made (engineered) technology with the human brain for the purpose of studying normal and injured/diseased nervous systems in vivo at the cellular level, as well as restoring function to patients.

About the project:

Our project aims to deepen understanding of oligodendrocytes’ impact on chronic recording failure around implanted microelectrodes, addressing critical challenges in neural engineering, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s Disease (AO), and closed-loop neurostimulation. Employing innovative in vivo imaging technology, we seek to unravel intricate structural, cellular, and molecular responses in real time, advancing fundamental science and offering insights into improving neural interface technologies and combating neurological disorders. Oligodendrocytes, often overlooked in chronic recording failure, play a pivotal role in our investigation. Through meticulous examination, we aim to elucidate their contribution to negative tissue responses surrounding microelectrodes, leveraging transgenic indicators, electrode design modifications, pharmaceutical interventions, and gliomodulation technologies (neurostimulation, optogenetics, DDREADS, ultrasound) to enhance oligodendrocyte health and recording performance over time. This multifaceted approach promises groundbreaking insights into the dynamic interplay between neural interfaces and the brain’s cellular milieu, opening new avenues for intervention and innovation in neuroengineering and clinical neuroscience.

Desired Skills: 

• Expertise in in vivo multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology, or neuromodulation, especially in the visual cortex.
• Experience in electrochemistry, confocal microscopy, signal processing (lmageJ/Fiji and MATLAB), immunohistochemistry, SEM are preferred.
• Knowledge on the neurobiology of brain injuries and neurodegeneration is advantageous. (esp. MS, AD, and stroke)

Qualifications:

• For Postdoctoral Candidates: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Material Science, or Mathematics.
• Strong research background in electrophysiology or two-photon microscopy.

Interested candidates should submit a statement on the alignment of the candidate’s research interest to the lab and relevant research experience, curriculum vitae, the names of three references, and date of availability to Ernest E Roth Professor Takashi Kozai ().

TK (Takashi D.Y.) Kozai, Ph.D.

University of Pittsburgh
Department of Bioengineering

BIONICLab.ORG

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