Post Doctoral Associate-Kozai Lab

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kozai Lab in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to advance research on implantable neural interfaces, focusing on photostimulation, ICMS, and neural imaging.

The successful candidate will design and execute experiments, develop wireless axon stimulators, perform in vivo two-photon imaging, analyze data with MATLAB and Python, and contribute to manuscripts, grants, and presentations while mentoring students.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Neuroscience or related field.
• Expertise in in vivo multiphoton microscopy and neuromodulation.
• Experience with electrochemistry, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and SEM.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other image analysis software.
• Knowledge of neurobiology related to brain injuries and neurodegeneration is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on implantable neural interfaces focusing on photostimulation and ICMS.
• Design, optimize, and execute experiments exploring neural prosthetics and sensory perception.
• Develop and characterize Wireless Axon stimulators.
• Perform in vivo two‑photon microscopy to analyze neuronal activity.
• Analyze data with MATLAB, Python, and ImageJ/Fiji.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

ImageJ/Fiji

In vivo multiphoton microscopy

Neurostimulation

Electrophysiology

Neuroscience

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering or related field

Tools

Two-photon microscope

Confocal microscope

Electrophysiology setup

Job description

Post Doctoral Associate-Kozai Lab

Bioengineering - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25001816)

The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the Kozai lab. Incumbent will be responsible for conducting research on implantable neural interfaces, focusing on photostimulation, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), and neural imaging. This role will involve designing, optimizing, and executing experiments that explore novel photostimulation technologies, particularly in the context of neural prosthetics and artificial sensory perception. The candidate will develop and characterize Wireless Axon stimulators, evaluating their spatial selectivity, stability, and long-term functionality within neural tissue.

In addition, the postdoctoral associate will employ in vivo two-photon microscopy and advanced imaging techniques to analyze the activation of different neuronal subtypes in response to stimulation. They will use molecular tools such as GCaMP6 and tdTomato to visualize and quantify neuronal and glial activity. Data collection, signal processing, and statistical analysis will be critical components of the role, requiring proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and ImageJ/Fiji for image and signal analysis.

The candidate will be expected to contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and conference presentations to disseminate research findings. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including neuroscientists, engineers, and clinicians, will be essential for advancing neuroengineering solutions. Additionally, the associate will mentor graduate and undergraduate students, providing technical expertise and guidance in experimental design and data analysis.

Job Requirements (majoring in BioE or a STEM field, etc.):

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Material Science, or Mathematics.


• Expertise in in vivo multiphoton microscopy, neurostimulation, or neuromodulation, particularly in the visual cortex.


• Experience with electrochemistry, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) preferred.


• Proficiency in signal processing and computational analysis using MATLAB, Python, or other relevant software.


• Knowledge of neurobiology related to brain injuries and neurodegeneration (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke) is advantageous.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.


• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with experience in manuscript preparation and conference presentations.


• Experience with designing and conducting in vivo electrophysiology or optogenetics experiments is a plus.


• Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research techniques and data analysis.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Campus: Pittsburgh

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Attachments: Curriculum Vitae

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286684424