Connectionists: PostDoc position: Modelling brain network stimulation in epilepsy patients

[Marcus Kaiser]

Dear all,



a 3-year PostDoc position for developing computational models of
optogenetic stimulation in epilepsy patients is available within my lab as
part of the CANDO project at Newcastle University.



*** About CANDO ***
CANDO (Controlling Abnormal Network Dynamics using Optogenetics,
http://www.cando.ac.uk/) is a world-class, multi-site, cross-disciplinary
project to develop a cortical implant for optogenetic neural control. The
goal is to create a first-in-human trial in patients with focal epilepsy.
This seven year, £10M Innovative Engineering for Health Award, funded by
the Wellcome Trust <http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/> and the Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) <http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/> involves
a team of over 30 neuroscientists, engineers and clinicians based at Newcastle
University <http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/>, Imperial College London
<http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/electricalengineering>, University College
London <https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medphys> and The Newcastle Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust <http://www.newcastle-hospitals.org.uk/>.



*** Available RA position ***
As part of this project, the lab of Prof. Marcus Kaiser (
http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/ ) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic
research fellow with a PhD awarded, or a PhD thesis about to be submitted,
in computational biology or related subjects.



Objectives of this position are, first, to extend simulations of human
brain activity at the local and global level of epilepsy patients. Second,
the effect of stimulation on ongoing activity will be studied. Third,
dynamical systems theory, control theory, and extensive simulations will be
used to find optimal stimulation approaches that can reach desired
oscillation patterns with minimal stimulation. Simulations will be informed
by invasive recordings and non-invasive brain connectivity measurements in
human epilepsy patients.



Good communication skills, very strong dynamics modelling skills, and a
track record of previous peer-reviewed journal publications. You will have
experience with modelling brain rhythms and dynamical systems. The position
will include brief visits to our partners in the UK and abroad.



*** Research Environment ***
Neuroinformatics at Newcastle University in the UK covers a range of topics
from electrophysiology to neuroimaging. We are among the pioneers in
connectome analysis and the establishment of large-scale neuroscience data
management and analysis platforms. Our strength is a close collaboration
between computational, experimental, and clinical researchers.



We currently have a team of 14 faculty members in the areas of
Neuroinformatics and Neurotechnology: http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/
Overall, more than 100 faculty members perform research in the
neurosciences.

*** Life in Newcastle ***

The region of Newcastle <https://www.newcastlegateshead.com/> has around
one million inhabitants and a high quality of life
<http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/newcastle-best-ukcity-families-bring-children-london-worst-schools-low-crime-rates-a7738061.html>.
Newcastle University is based in the city centre, 20 minutes away from the
beach, the train station or the airport. Newcastle airport provides links
to most European countries as well as to the USA.



*** How to Apply ***
To apply, follow the information at
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BCX660/research-assistant-associate-computational-models-of-epileptic-brain-tissue-d80409r/

The deadline is Wednesday 16 August.

For further information, contact Prof. Marcus Kaiser,
Marcus.Kaiser at ncl.ac.uk



Best,
  Marcus

-- 

Marcus Kaiser, Ph.D. FRSB    @ConnectomeLab
<https://twitter.com/ConnectomeLab>
Professor of Neuroinformatics
Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex Biosystems (ICOS) Research Group
School of Computing
Urban Sciences Building
Newcastle University
1 Science Square
Science Central
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE5 5TG
UK



Lab website:
http://www.dynamic-connectome.org/

Neuroinformatics at Newcastle:
http://neuroinformatics.ncl.ac.uk/

Neuroinformatics UK:
http://www.neuroinformatics.org.uk/

Neuroinformatics one-year master programme:
http://research.ncl.ac.uk/neuroinformatics/study/
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