UNIV - Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Neurology

Job Description Summary

The Department of Neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a dynamic human neuroscience research lab focused on Parkinson's disease (PD). Our lab is dedicated to identifying novel neuroimaging biomarkers to track disease progression and understanding the neural mechanisms underlying motor and non-motor features of PD.
This is a full-time, funded position for a minimum of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, conducting, and analyzing data from innovative research studies that combine advanced MRI techniques with cutting-edge brain stimulation methods, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), to improve the lives of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The candidate will be responsible for supporting an NIH-funded research program that focuses on understanding how STN DBS causes changes in cognition and modulates cognitive networks.
The fellow will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including 3T MRI scanners and a comprehensive suite of brain stimulation technologies. They willwork in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with leading clinicians and scientists in the fields of neurology, neuroscience, and biomedical imaging. This position offers an excellent opportunity for career development, including mentorship for grant writing (e.g., K awards), manuscript publication, and presentation at international conferences.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000985 COM Neurology CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
· Lead the analysis and writing of manuscripts for peer-review scientific journals (30%).
· Acquire and analyze neurocognitive data and multimodal MRI neuroimaging data (e.g., fMRI, DTI) 
(20%).
· Prepare and manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and ensure compliance with all 
human subject’s research regulations (15%).

· Contribute to the preparation of grant applications (15%)

· Implement and conduct non-invasive and invasive brain stimulation protocols (TMS, DBS) (10%).
· Prepare research and present at scientific meetings (5%).
· Assist in mentoring junior lab members, including graduate and undergraduate students (5%)
 

Qualifications:
Required:
· A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
· A strong research background with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.
· Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Preferred:
· Demonstrated experience with human neuroimaging analysis software (e.g., FSL, SPM, AFNI, 
FreeSurfer).
· Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in neuroscience research (e.g., Python, 
MATLAB, R, shell scripting).
· Experience preparing and managing IRB protocols for human subjects research.
· Hands-on experience with neurocognitive testing in healthy or clinical populations.
· Prior experience with brain stimulation techniques (TMS, DBS) is highly desirable.
· Experience working with clinical populations, particularly individuals with movement disorders. 

Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF document to lenchd@musc.edu:
1. A cover letter detailing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
 

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees