Postdoc and PhD Student Positions in Human Intracranial Single-Neuron Recordings at UTSW Neurologica

Postdoctoral positions are available in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern, jointly supervised by Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D., and Zhongzheng Fu, Ph.D. Our labs study the neural mechanisms of cognitive control and action regulation using mathematical modeling and human intracranial neurophysiology. We are seeking talented electrophysiologists and cognitive neuroscientists to join us to work on exciting projects in human neuroscience in the highly diverse and affordable city of Dallas, TX.

Our discoveries (selected):

Single-neuron correlates of action inhibition (Mosher et al., Neuron, 2021)

Basal-ganglia and cortical network mechanisms underlying conflict processing (Choi et al., Prog. Neuro, 2024)

The role of Globus Pallidus externus in consciousness (Thum et al., Cerebral Cortex, 2024)

The neuronal correlates of the error-related negativity (ERN) (Fu et al, Neuron, 2019)

Neuron mechanisms by which performance monitoring generalizes between cognitive tasks (Fu et al, Science, 2022)

Computational framework for performance monitoring across non-human primates (Fu et al, Nat. Rev. Neuro., 2023)

The primary focus of this position is to help develop human single neuron recordings in intraoperative settings, using the latest recording technologies. The scientific goal is to develop an in-depth understanding of the network physiology underlying action regulation and cognitive control, and its dysfunction in movement disorders.

Required qualifications: 1) passion and curiosity for science and research topics; 2) Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related fields; 3) hands-on experience in acquiring electrophysiological data; 4) familiarity with coding languages for data/signal processing and statistics.

Preferred qualifications: 1) expertise in setting up electrophysiological recording platforms; 2) expertise and track record in system neuroscience; 2) proficiency in state-of-the-art machine learning and bio-signal processing

Postdoctoral scientists and Ph.D. students will conduct cutting-edge research in a protected, interactive, highly collaborative, and well-funded environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities such as high-performance computing sources. Apart from support and mentorship by both PIs, abundant career-development support and resources from the Department and the UTSW O'Donnell Brain Institute are available.

The start date is in the fall/winter 2024, but flexible in exceptional circumstances. Funding for this position is available for 3 years and may be extended.

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Nader.Pouratian@UTSouthwestern.edu and Zhongzheng.Fu@UTSouthwestern.edu

1. A Cover Letter describing your interest in this position and qualifications.

2. A CV listing your education, training background, publications, awards, and skill set.

3. *Two Reference Letter(s), one of which should come from your current mentor(s). Letter(s) will be requested upon review of CV.

For Phd applications, please contact Dr. Zhongzheng Fu.

For more information, please visit our lab websites:

https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/pouratian-lab

https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/fu-lab

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of: race; color; religion; national origin; sex; including sexual harassment; age; disability; genetic information; citizenship status; and protected veteran status. In addition, it is UT Southwestern policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.