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Job Description Summary

A Senior Research Investigator position examining the electrophysiology of traumatic brain injury at the University of Pennsylvania is available in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in the lab of John A. Wolf, Ph.D.

This position is contingent upon funding.

Job Description

The Investigator will assist the Principal Investigator and act in a leadership role in designing and executing funded advanced experiments. The position will support the PI and play a crucial role in projects examining the changes in the coding of memory in cognitive structures such as hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as investigating changes in the limbic circuitry underlying PTSD-like phenotypes. The scientist will also participate in a number of other projects examining the effects of TBI on the electrophysiology of the limbic system, including epilepsy, with a focus on neuromodulation as a treatment paradigm.  These projects utilize awake behaving wireless high-density electrophysiology in small and large animal models for funded NIH/DoD and VA awards.  In addition, we have many collaborations on tissue engineering and neuroprosthetics.

Primary functions of this position are designing and executing funded experiments using high-density electrophysiology, as well as analyzing data, writing manuscripts and assisting in grant preparation.  The candidate will serve as lead on their own projects, as well as assisting in other projects. They will also manage Research Specialists in the laboratory.

Secondary functions of this position include providing organizational support for the laboratory and management of trainees.

Travel to conferences/presentation is possible if desired, but not necessary (AES/SFN/NNS).

Qualifications:

A PhD or equivalent degree and 5-7 years of experience is required including at least 3 years’ experience in neurophysiology (can be part of your graduate training). The position requires excellent presentation and interpersonal skills, a highly motivated and open minded, independent thinker and worker, with a desire to work in a complex and high energy environment. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated track record of project completion and publications, as well as a high level of scientific rigor. Candidates with either in vivo electrophysiology (extracellular) or other epilepsy/electrophysiology experience are preferred. Experience with coding and signal analysis (MATLAB) is necessary regardless of background in electrophysiology. Feel free to apply if you are interested and unsure whether your background is a good fit. Must be flexible with work hours. Job is contingent upon funding.

Working Conditions

Laboratory, office. Requires extensive safety training; Exposure to chemicals; Requires protective devices

Physical Effort

Occasional lifting 24-50 lb. Typically standing or walking; Intermittently sitting/standing/stooping

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$35,568.00 - $204,000.00

Affirmative Action Statement 

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.