| The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks a Chief Technologist (Associate Research Scientist) for the Movement Recovery Laboratory led by Jason Carmel, MD, PhD at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The successful candidate will have strong programming and neuroscience experience with expertise in signal processing and analysis of large data sets. The position is ideal for a person who likes to develop and optimize neuroscience tools. He or she will be responsible for creating and maintaining the systems for cutting-edge neuroscience research that seeks to restore movement after paralyzing injury. The Laboratory uses rodent models of disease to improve understanding of movement control, to test how electrical stimulation can strengthen neural circuits spared by injury. The laboratory uses a combination of behavior, physiology, and anatomy techniques in rats. Each of these modalities has a suite of tools that need to be made more quantitative, efficient, and precise. - Behavior: We quantify reaching, walking, and food manipulation using robotics and computer vision. The Chief Technologist will be charged with creating protocols and algorithms to efficiently record and analyze these movements, including reaching, stepping, and manipulation.
- Physiology: We record and stimulate both motor cortex and the spinal cord. The technologist will help develop protocols for multichannel stimulation and for analysis of nerve and muscle signals. For example, we have created a graphical tool for real-time visualization of EMG responses to motor cortex stimulation.
- Anatomy: We trace connections between the brain and the spinal cord using a combination of anterograde and retrograde neural tracers. The technologist will help quantify the number of labeled neurons and axons using computer vision and the results are placed into a 3D framework.
The Chief Technologist will be expected to work independently to establish protocols and to assist in testing them. This research work will require pro-active and interdisciplinary teamwork. The candidate should hold a PhD (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Software design and programming skills in MATLAB (or equivalent scientific software) are critical. Knowledge of machine learning, computer vision, and source localization are other appealing skills. Most important is the ability to find innovative and practical solutions to technical problems. Starting salary is based on experience and includes Columbia University benefits. The position is supported by NIH, New York State, and private foundation grants. Columbia University is located in New York City, has a world-class faculty in neuroscience and neurology. Abundant learning opportunities include lab meetings, seminar series, journal clubs and university lectures. There are also many opportunities for collaboration with other neuroscientists, laboratories creating new technologies, and expert clinicians. Please apply on the Columbia University Recruitment of Academic Personnel System site at…. https://pa334.peopleadmin.com/ Select ‘Search For Jobs’ prompt, then select ‘Orthopedic Surgery’ Department and view the ‘Chief Technologist (Associate Research Scientist)’ position title (Job Requisition No.: 0000347) and apply. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer --Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran. |
