Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-30035-390

Details of Research Project: 

How can neuroscience help us design and optimize treatments for devastating disorders of learning and memory? Our lab directly addresses this challenge by leveraging our experimental platform to understand, test, and optimize therapeutic interventions for cognitive disorders. This project focuses on fornix deep brain stimulation (DBS-f)—a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease currently in Phase III clinical trials. The mechanism of this therapy is not known. We will combine DBS-f with our large-scale recording platform to provide a mechanistic, circuit-level explanation for its effects, with the long-term goal of optimizing its clinical application.

 

Technical Duties: (include any protocols)

You will be a core driver of our lab’s scientific mission, leveraging our custom-built research platform to answer fundamental questions about how the brain transforms experience into memory. Beyond the bench, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application through our established network. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex experiments using large-scale Neuropixels recordings and patterned microstimulation (DBS) in behaving primates navigating immersive virtual reality environments.

• Collaborating directly with world-renowned clinicians and experts in DBS to translate circuit-level findings into frameworks for understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

• Investigating the circuit-level mechanisms of emerging therapies, specifically focusing on the effects of fornix DBS on neural computation.

• Mentoring junior lab members and assisting in the development of our growing research team.

• Presenting your findings at international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, Society for Neuroscience) and preparing manuscripts for high-impact publications.

Experience Required:

• Laboratory experience working in behavioural neuroscience, prefereably with nonhuman primates

• Analysis of behavioural and neural datasets

• Proficiency in coding (C#, Arduino, bash)

 

Goals/Outcomes of the Research Project: 

• Mechanistic Understanding: Elucidate the circuit-level mechanisms by which DBS-f alters neural representations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex to improve learning and memory.

• Therapeutic Optimization: Establish a framework for predicting and explaining the variable efficacy of DBS treatments, paving the way for optimized clinical protocols.

• Career Advancement: Produce high-quality datasets leading to first-author publications in top-tier journals and support the fellow’s transition to an independent research career.

• Technological Innovation: Advance the use of large-scale recording technologies (Neuropixels) combined with neuromodulation in awake, behaving primates

Educational and other Requirements for the position:

• A PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proficiency in coding (MATLAB or Python) for data acquisition and analysis.

• A strong interest in bridging the gap between basic circuit mechanisms and translational applications.

 

Strength through Unity and Inclusion

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About the Mount Sinai Health System:

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more t