Post-Doctoral Scholar-Medicine (Knoxville)

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN KNOXVILLE, TN

The Pat Summitt Research Fellowship. The Pat Summitt Clinic Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab is a state-of-the-art facility that is actively conducting groundbreaking and innovative research on cognitive aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Lab is inspired by Coach Summitt’s vision of advancing research in Alzheimer’s disease and by the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s commitment to excellence in academic medicine and research.

Our goal is to elucidate disease mechanisms in a way that will not only further our understanding of neurodegenerative conditions that cause dementia but may also identify new targets for treatment. We also look to develop new diagnostic tools for early detection, monitoring disease progression and the objective and dynamic assessment of the efficacy of new therapies.

The complexity and sheer volume of data that is being generated by this study opens an invaluable opportunity for new researchers to enter the field of Alzheimer’s disease and perform complex data analysis that will lead to new discoveries.

For this reason, we have created of The Pat Summitt Research Fellowship. The goal is to recruit a postdoctoral fellow that will be fully immersed in the ongoing work at the lab, perform data analysis and bring new and fresh perspectives to our projects.

The purpose of the Postdoctoral Fellow is to serve in a temporary position that enables an individual with a Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the individual in this position is expected to engage in research related to Alzheimer’s and other dementia, collaborate on a multi-scholar activity and engage in manuscript and grant writing, all while under the general direction of the principal investigator.

• Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
• Develop experimental stimuli and procedures and perform data analysis
• Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals, reports and manuscripts for presentation at scientific meetings or publication
• Schedule and run experiments with adult human subjects.
• Manage, store and protect data.
• Serve as work lead for student researchers and provide training in the performance of experiments and lab procedures.
• Assist with subject recruitment and community relations.
• Assist with human subject protocol requirements.
• Assist with data management using already established Red Cap system.

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Neuroscience or equivalent discipline.

Specific Qualifications

• Experience in EEG/ERP, neuroimaging, biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative dementias, or other techniques relevant or complimentary to the work of the PSCL
• Previous academic research experience working with adult human subjects in research or clinical settings with exposure to and/or training in diagnostic and cognitive assessments. Additional experience conducting research with or interviewing vulnerable populations or those with mental illness is preferred
• Ability with standard software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases).
• Have experience with MATLAB or ability to learn
• Have experience in basic computer programming for psychophysical software packages ability to learn
• Must have knowledge of data management principles
• Have experience with or ability to learn how to conduct EEG/ERP studies
• Ability to handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines.
• Must be organized, responsible, punctual, with ability to pay close attention to details.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven leadership abilities.
• Experience with ethics board (IRB) correspondence and principles, or willingness to learn these skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and/or equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace