Postdoctoral Associate - Psychiatry - Bmed Div - Peterchev Team

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Peterchev, Brain Stimulation Engineering Lab (BSEL) focuses on the development, modeling, and application of devices and paradigms for transcranial brain stimulation. Transcranial brain stimulation involves non-invasive delivery of fields (e.g., electric and magnetic) to the brain that modulate neural activity. It is widely used as a tool for research and a therapeutic intervention in neurology and psychiatry, including several FDA-cleared indications. BSEL develops novel technology such as devices for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that leverage design techniques from power electronics and computational electromagnetics to enable more flexible stimulus control, focal stimulation, and quiet operation. 

 

Term of appointment: 1-year postdoctoral position in TMS

The appointment

• involves conducting research on enhanced neuromodulation protocols enabled by novel transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technology. We have an NIH-funded BRAIN Initiative project that developed a TMS device with highly adjustable pulse shape and pulse trains. We are entering the second phase of the project involving experimental demonstration of advanced neuromodulation protocols in healthy subjects.
• is limited (see Section 5 of the Postdoc Policy for length of appointment https://postdoc.duke.edu/policies-and-forms/duke-university-postdoctoral-policy-revised-july-1-2009).
• involves substantially full-time research or scholarship, and may include student mentorship responsibilities.
• is generally preparatory for a full time academic or research career.
• is not part of a clinical training program

 

The Postdoctoral Appointee functions under the supervision of senior mentor, Dr. Angel Peterchev and is expected to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

 

Postdoctoral Associates who meet the Duke University eligibility guidelines may enroll in University Benefits. The position provides exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary research and career development.

 

Work Performed

• apply a unique TMS device with highly adjustable pulse shape and pulse trains to investigate novel neuromodulation protocols
• optionally, technology development and computational modeling can be incorporated in the project depending on the candidate’s background and interests

 

Expectation

• Conduct independent research activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor in preparation for a full time academic or research career.
• The conscientious discharge of research or scholarship responsibilities, which may include student mentorship responsibilities for Postdoctoral Associates
• Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research
• Compliance with good scholarly and research practice
• Maintenance of a laboratory notebook and/or other comparable records of research activity, which remains the property of Duke University upon termination
• Adherence to University standards regarding use of isotopes, chemicals, infectious agents, animals, human subjects, and the like
• Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Postdoctoral Appointee's research activities. Postdoctoral Appointees are encouraged to consult the AAMC Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors for suggested guidelines for the Postdoctoral Appointee-mentor relationship
• Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, reagents, software, copyrightable and pot