Senior Research Assistant

The Human Neurophysiology & Neuromodulation (HNN) Lab at the Barrow Neurological Institute invites applications for a Post-Bachelor Research Associate with an anticipated start date of Spring/Summer 2024 (earlier is also possible depending on candidate circumstance). The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator of HNN Dr. Andrew Yang neurosurgeon-scientist on a variety of interdisciplinary projects with a core focus on computationally-intensive analysis of big human electrophysiology datasets. This is a full-time benefits-eligible appointment with an expected duration of two years. Salary is competitive and travel reimbursement for academic conferences is possible.

Barrow Neurological Institute is an international leader in the treatment research and education of brain and spinal diseases conditions and injuries. Scientists and physician-scientists at Barrow focus on research to improve the lives of patients with neurological diseases both by advancing our basic understanding and translating these findings to directly impact patient care. Barrow is housed within St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center a 571-bed hospital located in the heart of Phoenix Arizona that serves as a teaching hospital for the Creighton University School of Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Barrow is also ranked as one of the best specialty hospitals in the world for neurosurgery and boasts one of the most highly reputed neurosurgery residency programs in the nation.

This environment makes Barrow a unique place fostering collaborations between our scientists and clinicians to solve the most difficult challenges in neurological pathology. In addition to over 25 laboratories with expertise spanning the breadth of translational neuroscience Barrow has long-standing partnerships with Arizona State University (ASU) both for research (Initiative for Innovation in Neuro- Engineering) as well as for education (Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Neuroscience). Research Area Description HNN utilizes direct recordings within the human brain combined with behavioral tasks naturalistic stimuli and intracranial stimulation to understand the core circuit mechanisms and computational principles underlying our cognitive and emotional abilities. The overarching goal is to provide translational links between human neurophysiology and clinical neuromodulation to guide the rational design of next-generation brain stimulation therapies for epilepsy as well as investigative indications in cognitive and psychiatric diseases. HNN has multiple collaborations with faculty throughout both Barrow and ASU in engineering computer science neuroscience and psychology.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

We are looking for candidates who are ultimately considering graduate or professional school in STEM fields or healthcare and are currently seeking a full-time research position. A two-year commitment is preferred to allow ample time for publications of scientific findings in peer- reviewed journals. The research associate will gain significant experience in human neurophysiology big data analytics/machine learning human behavior/psychology medical image processing in addition to exposure to state-of-the-art medical technology in neurosurgery.

Duties include:

1) software and hardware solutions for data storage;

2) maintenance and design of data and image processing pipelines;

3) interaction with patients (in both inpatient and outpatient settings) to conduct computer-based behavioral experiments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering Computer Science Electrical Engineering Neuroscience or other related areas of study

• Proficiency with computer programming (Matlab Python or equivalent)

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to function in a clinical environment and gather data from patients

• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner with a diverse lab community

• Ability to be self-motivated to prioritize effectively and to meet deadlines 

Desired Qualifications

• Research experience in electrophysiology data science (machine learning dynamical systems network theory etc.) behavioral task design and/or audiovisual stimuli/virtual environment design

• Experience and/or knowledge of data server hardware/software

• Track record of journal articles conference presentations abstracts in relevant areas of research

• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills Additional Details

• Working hours of this position will vary but are mostly Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends – only when necessary – to conduct behavioral experiments with patients.

• In addition to scientific training mentorship will also be focused on developing professionalism and resilience skills that are critical for long-term career success

Instructions to Apply:

Please submit the following materials to andrew.yang.1@asu.edu

1. CV

2. Cover letter

3. 1-2 references from prior research or professional experiences

Hello humankindness

Located conveniently in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona,St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 571-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services.  Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Mercy, St. Joseph's was the first hospital in the Phoenix area. More than 125 years later, St. Joseph's remains dedicated to its mission of caring for the poor and underserved.

We are extremely proud to be a nationally recognized center for quality quaternary care, medical education and research. St. Joseph's includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, Norton Thoracic Institute, Cancer Center at St. Joseph's, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, and St. Joseph's Level I Trauma Center (which is verified by the American College of Surgeons). The hospital is also a respected center for high-risk obstetrics, neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, and other medical services. St. Joseph’s is considered a sought-after destination hospital for treating the most complex cases from throughout the world. Every day, approximately 20 percent of the hospital’s patients have traveled from outside of Arizona and the United States to seek treatment at St. Joseph’s.

U.S News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph's among the top hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery.  In addition, St. Joseph's boasts the Creighton University School of Medicine at St. Joseph's, and a strategic alliance with Phoenix Children's Hospital.

St. Joseph's is consistently named an outstanding place to work and one of Arizona's healthiest employers. Come grow your career with one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies.

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