Position Summary:
The Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC) focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia as well as the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Much of the work focuses on the ultimate translation of basic laboratory research discoveries into clinical treatment options for affected patients in order to reduce symptoms, minimize side effects and enhance function and quality of life. The laboratory forms key collaborations with other experts in neurology as well as other disciplines such as neurosurgery, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and radiology in addition to the medical industry to expedite and enhance new discoveries and their meaningful translation from bench to bedside.
Our lab incorporates our dedication to multidisciplinary research. The Clinical Research Professional will assist with multiple ongoing NIH funded projects or other projects, as directed, with competing and distinct timelines and deliverables. A successful candidate to this position will develop and continuously improve code, software, and techniques for 3D DBS lead localization and placement for clinical subjects. Using in-house modalities, the candidate will design and implement additional targeting parameters including anatomical distances between ROI and assessments of intra-operative metrics and feedback to improve future targeting. The envisioned final modality will move the current iteration towards a standardized atlas in order to assist with pre-operative targeting, lead placement validation, to improve patient specific outcomes for DBS surgeries. Candidates may reference Pobiel et al (2026). A novel methodology for
localizing pallidal deep brain stimulation leads for context.
Work Schedule: In-person, M-F, 8:30am 5:00pm
Job Duties:
75% Methodology Development:
- Under direction of senior researchers, improve techniques already in use at the NMRC for the localization of DBS electrode placement in 3D space, specifically brain regions targeted for therapeutic stimulation.
- Codify code and program a GUI for standard, regular use by senior researchers.
- Implement industry standard terminology and regularize references of the above.
- Measure and validate subject outcomes with standard clinical assessments, e.g. UPDRS.
15% Feedback, User Testing, and Change Management:
- Engage stakeholders to normalize terminology and approach for the above; iterate designs and approach based on feedback and real-world testing.
- Document processes for replication.
10% Presentation and Publication:
- Assist with data and figure publication preparation.
- Present research at conferences, symposia, and colloquia or for publication in scientific journals.