Postdoctoral Fellow (Human Neuroscience)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow (Human Neuroscience)

Job Number: 56211

Location: Baltimore, Maryland, US

Job Description

A little about us:

The Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) was established in 2010 to plot a new course in biomedical research that would change the lives of individuals affected with developmental brain disorders. We are one of the only research institutions in the world focused specifically on understanding how genes and the environment influence the way our brains develop that lead to conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder and related developmental brain disorders. Through our cutting-edge research, answers are emerging and being translated into a robust pipeline of new drugs in development. And, by focusing on genes and their dynamic interplay with the environment, we are getting even closer to the “holy grail” in medical research, the discovery of strategies for primary prevention.

We are a group of dedicated, multidisciplinary and optimistic researchers, working at the cutting edge of science, utilizing state-of-the-art tools to unlock the mystery of the brain and transform the way we approach the development of new treatments, and ultimately cures. LIBD is an independent 501(c)(3) medical research institute located in the Bioscience Park on the campus of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Hospital in Baltimore, MD.

Job Summary: 

Prof. Giulio Pergola and his team are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated postdoctoral fellow to join their lab. Our lab exists to discover how humans differ from each other in their behavior, mental features, and brain. These differences are largely influential in determining the vulnerability and resilience to mental illnesses. This position aims to unearth the biological mechanisms that create these differences by investigating neuroimaging, behavioral, or clinical data. The job involves spearheading projects to generate approaches that appreciate the shared and unique features of healthy individuals and patients with psychiatric disorders. Prof. Pergola and his team have used clustering and machine learning approaches to study inter-individual differences in humans. 

This job requires enthusiasm for science, coding skills, deep knowledge of human neuroscience, and an unfaltering collaborative attitude. Generating a vibrant, supportive, and creative environment for junior group members is crucial for this position as much as a proven track record of rigorous scientific achievements.

Overview of Duties:

• Generate innovative analytical approaches
• Perform statistical analyses 
• Prepare and maintain datasets
• Interpret, validate and distribute data to meet project goals and timelines
• Assist team members in interpreting human biological, clinical, or psychological data
• Train junior staff
• Writing up scientific results
• Disseminating results at conferences and meetings
• Support the PI in grant writing and team management
• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Psychology, or similar fields. 
• Experience with phenotypic human neuroscience is required. Additional experience with machine learning is preferred.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Team oriented with excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities.
Must be flexible, analytical, and self-motivated.
Proven record of concluding projects with well-published first-author publications.

Physical Requirements:

· Remaining in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time;

· Reaching and grasping to manipulate objects with fingers;

· Mobility, including the ability to maneuver around a laboratory setting including the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds;

· Communication skills using the spoken and written word; 

· Having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication;

· All other physical demands in a standard laboratory environment.

** If accommodations are needed due to pregnancy or a disability, please contact [Please click the Apply button for the link or email] 

Application Deadline: 2023-11-11