We are seeking outstanding postdoctoral candidates and/or engineers for research in brain-machine interfacing (BMI) and restoration of sensorimotor function via electrical stimulation of the nervous system. We have multiple ongoing projects applicants could get involved with spanning BMI-controlled neuroprosthetics, deep brain stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and intracortical microstimulation. Our primary project is an NIH R01-funded project that is part of a larger government funded clinical trial (ReHAB: Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain) to restore arm function to paralyzed individuals by using their intracortical brain signals to control peripheral nerve stimulators that reanimate their paralyzed muscles. The specific focus of this five-year NIH-funded project (PIs: Drs. Dawn Taylor and Bolu Ajiboye) is to improve brain-controlled limb movements by more effectively modulating limb stiffness (i.e. degree of co-contraction of antagonist muscle) to improve limb stability while also minimizing muscle fatigue. Additionally, we have new funding for restoring proprioception via intracortical microstimulation in area 3a in pre-clinical models. We also are conducting research into improving deep brain stimulation and alternative peripheral neurostimulation therapies for Parkinson’s’ disease. 

Research activities include working with animal models and humans as well as neural and biomechanical simulations.  Ideal candidates will have experience/familiarity in some or all of the following: neural recordings in animals and/or humans; cortical and/or peripheral nerve stimulation for restoration of movement and sensation; real-time neural signal processing; writing custom programs to control multiple pieces of hardware and control objects in a virtual environment (Matlab skills preferred); neural and/or biomechanical modeling. An advanced degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering is preferred but other applicants will be considered (e.g. Neuroscience degree with strong programming and neural modeling/analysis skills).

This is a great opportunity to work with our large interdisciplinary team of researchers, engineers and clinicians to gain a wide range of skills beneficial for your future neural or rehab-related career.  Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae to Dawn Taylor, PhD ([email protected] or [email protected]). The Cleveland Clinic is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

Principal Investigator: Dawn Taylor, PhD

Lerner Research Institute Department: Neurosciences

Lab Research Topics:

• Brain-Machine Interfacing
• Neuroprosthetics
• Neural Interfacing
• Neural Signal Processing
• Neural/Biomechanical Modelling
• For more information about the lab’s research, please visit: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/neurosci/taylor/

Job Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Conducts clinical and pre-clinical experiments in neural stimulation and recording
• Writes/designs custom code to run neural recording and stimulation experiments
• Writes/designs custom code to analyze collected  neural and behavioral data
• Runs neural and biomechanical simulations using custom developed and existing computational models. 

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting.  Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Strong programming skills required (Matlab preferred)
• Degree(s) in engineering (e.g. biomedical, computer, mechanical) or similar training preferred
• Eager to learn/perform a wide range of neural interfacing research skills
• Eager to work with a diverse interdisciplenary team
• Training/experience in neuroscience/neural interfacing  preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials: All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Dawn Taylor, PhD at [email protected].

• CV

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI, Spinal cord injury, Microelectrodes, Neural decoding, Neuroprosthesis, Prosthesis, Functional electrical stimulation, Neuromuscular stimulation, Brain-computer interface, BCI, Intracortical microstimulation, Neuromodulation