Employment Opportunities

CCN

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Cognitive Neuroscience of Visual Scene Perception and Spatial Navigation
Epstein Lab, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania
(Posted 5/19/09)

A NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship is available in Dr. Russell Epstein’s cognitive neuroscience laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA, USA).  The successful applicant will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the neural underpinnings of visual scene perception, place recognition, and spatial navigation. Previous experience with advanced fMRI data analysis techniques such as multi-voxel pattern analysis is a plus, although applicants who lack such experience but have excellent computational, analytical, or statistical skills will be considered.  A Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science or related field is required, as is a well-established record of research productivity. The University of Pennsylvania has a large and diverse cognitive neuroscience community, including a 3T magnet and extensive resources for fMRI research.  The Center for Cognitive Neuroscience is a lively, friendly, collaborative environment.  To apply, send CV, a brief statement of research experience/interests, and contact information for three references to Russell Epstein, epstein@psych.upenn.edu.  The University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

For more information about the Epstein lab, see http://wernicke.ccn.upenn.edu/epstein_web/

RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPENING:

(Posted 4/23/09)

Lab in the Neurology department of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine seeks a Research Assistant.

This position will work in a laboratory that studies the earliest changes in memory function associated with Alzheimer's disease. The laboratory has a state-of-the-art 128-channel, high density, high resolution ERP system, allowing for millisecond level accuracy of brain activity associated with cognitive function. As behavioral, MRI, and ERP data will be collected in each individual participant, the position offers a unique opportunity to study structure-function relations in the diseased and healthy brain. Such work will not only inform on the impairment of memory associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease, but normal memory function as well. The laboratory is also beginning brain stimulation studies with use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which can temporarily enhance and inhibit cortical brain activity.

Qualifications: A Bachelor's Degree in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or other relevant field is required and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Position contingent upon funding.  

Please apply at jobs.hr.upenn, using Job Reference Number 090426503

RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPENING: NEUROETHICS & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

(Posted: 3/26/09)

Applications are invited for a Research Assistantship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Cognitive Neuroscience in the laboratory of Dr. Martha Farah.  Current research in our lab includes behavioral, genetic, pharmacologic and fMRI studies of cognition and brain development, with emphasis on issues at the interface of cognitive neuroscience and the “real world.”

One set of projects involves “neuroethics,” i.e. social and ethical issues in neuroscience, including a study of the use and effects of stimulant drugs by normal healthy individuals for cognitive enhancement.  The other set of projects focuses on the effects of childhood socioeconomic adversity on brain development, including the interplay of genes and experience in the development of memory, executive function, and stress regulation.

Responsibilities run the gamut from recruiting, scheduling and testing subjects to experimental design and data analysis.  The ideal candidate will have: a bachelor’s degree in any subject with some background in psychology and/or neuroscience, previous research experience and strong computer skills, as well as an analytic mind, “people skills” and good organizational ability.

The planned start date for this position is Sept 1, 2009, but is flexible.  Salary is competitive and depends on experience and qualifications.  To apply, please send the following to Irena Illieva, iilieva@sas.upenn.edu:

(1) Resume listing education and previous work positions

(2) Names and phone numbers for 3 academic and/or work references

(3) Unofficial transcript of college courses and grades for all psychology, science, math and statistics courses

(4) A paragraph or two on your interests and career goals

Welcome to the Neuro-Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Network:
Consultation and Pilot Funding Available

The Neuro-Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Network (NCRRN) is a collaborative effort of the Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) and the Center for Functional Neuroimaging (CfN) at the University of Pennsylvania. Our grant focuses on cognitive neuroscience, cognitive recovery, and cognitive rehabilitation, and on the use of behavioral, imaging, ERP, and TMS methods of investigation. In particular, we hope bring together basic and applied researchers in the study of promising interventions for cognitive impairment.

We offer a number of services, including:

• Scientific review of projects under development
• Brief preceptorships in Philadelphia
• Pilot funding
• Assistance with scientific meetings relevant to our mission (partial funding, provision of speakers, etc.)
• Notice of relevant scientific meetings
• Notice of relevant funding opportunities
• On-line resources including annotated reading lists, expert recommendations on methods, research presentations in slide and video formats, and summaries of research workshop proceedings
  

If you're interested in receiving any of these resources, or in receiving notification of future opportunities or updates, please visit our website (www.ncrrn.org) or email us at ncrrn[at]einstein.edu.

This project is part of the NIH-funded program of Medical Rehabilitation Research Infrastructure grants, intended to provide core research tools and technical assistance to basic and clinical researchers around the country interested in addressing rehabilitation research topics.