POST DOCTORAL ASSOCIATE

Med-Neurological Surgery - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25001382)
The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurological Surgery, is hiring for a Post-doctoral associate.
This position will work at the intersection of computational modeling, neurophysiology, and neuromodulation, contributing to two cutting-edge projects that aim to characterize and modulate cortico-thalamic electrophysiological dynamics in patients with stroke and epilepsy. This postdoctoral fellow will develop and implement advanced computational models of cortico-thalamic circuits to investigate the biophysical principles underlying network reorganization in pathological states. The overarching objective is to optimize parameters for electrical stimulation to achieve selective and functionally meaningful modulation of holodologically interconnected cortical regions. This work will involve high-resolution intracranial electrophysiology, in silico modeling of thalamocortical network dynamics, and translational applications in neurostimulation therapies.

The key Responsibilities include:

• Develop computational models of thalamocortical network dynamics in patients with stroke and epilepsy.
• Analyze intracranial EEG (iEEG), LFP, and ECoG data to extract biomarkers of pathological oscillations and network dysfunction.
• Design and test stimulation paradigms to selectively modulate hodologically-defined cortical targets, leveraging biophysical modeling and patient-specific connectomics.
• Integrate electrophysiological recordings with structural and functional imaging data (e.g., DTI, fMRI) to refine stimulation models.
• Collaborate with neurosurgeons, computational neuroscientists, and biomedical engineers to translate findings into patient-specific neuromodulation strategies.
• Disseminate research through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and collaborative projects.

Qualifications

• The minimum education to be considered for this position is a PhD in Computational Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Neurophysiology, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Expertise in computational modeling of neural circuits, particularly in the context of electrophysiological signal processing.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other scientific computing languages for signal analysis and network simulations.
• Experience with intracranial EEG analysis, neural signal processing, or brain connectivity modeling is highly desirable.
• Strong foundation in biophysical modeling, dynamical systems, and neuromodulation principles.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment bridging engineering, clinical neuroscience, and translational research.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of DBS, responsive neurostimulation, or other forms of electrical neuromodulation.
• Experience with thalamocortical dynamics, graph theory, and connectome-based stimulation paradigms.
• Familiarity with computational frameworks for neural simulation (e.g., NEURON, The Virtual Brain, NEST).
• Strong programming and data analysis skills for multimodal neural data fusion.

Interested candidates, please go to Home | Talent Center: Careers at Pitt | University of Pittsburgh and use requisition #25001382 to apply for this position.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

• Develop computational models of thalamocortical network dynamics in patients with stroke and epilepsy.
• Analyze intracranial EEG (iEEG), LFP, and ECoG data to extract biomarkers of pathological oscillations and network dysfunction.
• Design and test stimulation paradigms to selectively modulate hodologically-defined cortical targets, leveraging biophysical modeling and patient-specific connectomics.
• Integrate electrophysiological recordings with structural and functional imaging data (e.g., DTI, fMRI) to refine stimulation models.
• Collaborate with neurosurgeons, computational neuroscientists, and biomedical engineers to translate findings into patient-specific neuromodulation strategies.
• Disseminate research through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and collaborative projects