Postdoctoral Scholar - Neurology-Pediatrics

Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Shalini Narayana in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). Dr. Narayana is looking for an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to conduct studies on standardizing TMS language mapping protocols and evaluating their efficacy and accuracy in localizing critical language areas in the brain. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Narayana, and investigators from other pediatric epilepsy and TMS centers in the US.

Students and research assistants

Driven, enthusiastic, and collaborative scientists are welcomed into this group and department. The Narayana laboratory is located in the Neuroscience Institute at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. UTHSC faculty members are outstanding with a breath of expertise ranging from neurology, pediatrics, clinical neurosciences, radiology, biomedical engineering, and speech and language pathology.  Le Bonheur Neuroscience Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetoencephalography, high-density electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging facilities and an outstanding pediatric neurology program. The comprehensive epilepsy program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is a National Association of Epilepsy Center Level IV accredited program committed to excellence in patient care and research. Individuals who thrive in a collaborative environment where techniques, approaches, expertise, and equipment are shared will easily succeed in this collegial setting.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD in the fields of neuroscience, neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience, biomedical engineering, speech and language pathology, or electrophysiology. Applicants having expertise and an avid interest in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: neuroimaging, non-invasive brain stimulation, speech, language, brain development, and brain plasticity. Previous experience with neuroimaging, non-invasive brain stimulation, or speech and language disorders as well as programming in MATLAB or python is preferred. Applicants having experience with imaging processing tools including FSL, SPM, Freesurfer, and statistical tools including R and SPSS will be given preference. Experience with large data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, or graph theory is an asset, but eager willingness to adapt and learn these methods is also acceptable. The ability to work independently to advance your projects is required as is the desire and capacity to work in a team. The ability to critically evaluate the current body of literature as well as your own research, advanced problem-solving skills, and the capability to design and execute experiments are all necessary for this position. Exceptional oral and written communication skills are required. Evidence of the above skills and experience must be provided in the form of lead publications and record of poster and/or oral presentations.

Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature through presentations and discussions within the research group, leading to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications. Present work at seminars, both internally and externally, and at international conferences. Publish high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and open-access electronic archives. Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, and academic and non-academic audiences. Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals. Work with the Principal Investigator and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods, and extend the research portfolio. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and offering creative or innovative solutions. Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. Plan and manage own research activity, and research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects. Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment that is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Other duties as assigned. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is the flagship statewide, public, academic health institution in Tennessee. Founded in 1911, the mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science is to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans and the global community by fostering integrated, collaborative, and inclusive education, research, scientific discovery, clinical care, and public service. Employing more than 4,600 people on its faculty, staff, and not-for-profit corporation faculty practice groups, and with more than 3,200 students across the state, UTHSC contributes $4 billion to the economy of Tennessee.

Part of the University of Tennessee System, the Health Science Center is headquartered in Memphis and includes all six of UT’s doctoral-degree-granting health science colleges -- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Graduate Health Sciences, and Health Professions. UTHSC spans the state with its four major, regional clinical health science locations in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Nashville, as well as more than 100 clinical education sites across Tennessee. UTHSC is the largest educator of health care professionals in the state and operates the state’s largest residency and fellowship advanced training programs.

Located in West Tennessee on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is the second-largest city in the state and among the largest cities in the Southeast. The Greater Memphis metropolitan area has more than 1.3 million residents, and the city ranks among those with the lowest cost of living in the country. It is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, a revitalized Downtown, the Midtown Arts District, many scenic neighborhoods, an active medical district, and a burgeoning airport in the midst of a $214 million modernization.

Memphis boasts attractions, including Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Memphis Grizzlies, historic Beale Street, the National Civil Rights Museum, the second-largest urban county park in the United States, and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.