Post-Doctoral Associate

The Center for Developmental Neuroimaging (CDNI) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join our team at the University of Minnesota's Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) under the direction of Dr. Julia Moser. This position will focus on infant neuroimaging projects.

CDNI is housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. Our work focuses on advancing the understanding of brain development in health and disease. We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers trying to:

• Understand basic principles of brain functioning across development (i.e. figure out how the brain works)
• Learn about how neuropsychiatric and other brain-based disorders develop and progress over time
• Contribute to the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders
• Engage underrepresented communities in all aspects of academic medicine and research

To learn more about CDNI and current research studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/developmental-cognition-and-neuroimaging-lab/

The scholar will be able to draw on world-class neuroimaging facilities and training at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), including ultra- high resolution 7T imaging. Our group is strongly committed to professional development and personalizing the postdoc experience. We encourage applications from diverse candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive research environment.

Job Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Publication (50%)

• Test hypothesis around developmental plasticity metrics derived from functional MRI data.
• Investigate developmental differences in infant brain functional networks
• Support generation and testing of improvements for code bases for the analysis of precision imaging datasets using supercomputing cluster resources.
• Support students and trainees involved in infant data processing and analysis.
• Present novel discoveries at international conferences.
• Publish research findings in peer reviewed journals.
• Pursue your own research interests within the broader theme of the position.

Data Acquisition Methods and Practice (40%)

• Support staff involved in infant neuroimaging projects.
• Supervise students involved in infant neuroimaging projects.
• Support the PI with analysis of data from different data acquisition techniques to inform best practices for infant fMRI data acquisition.
• Support implementation of novel motor task paradigm for infant neuroimaging.
• Lead documentation efforts for infant neuroimaging techniques to promote standardization across study members.

Other Lab Duties (10%)

• Attend mandatory center, lab and team meetings.
• Share feedback and assist other lab members when they are stuck on a project.
• Collegial conduct towards trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations. All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the PI, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and other trainees.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or a related field.
• Strong experience in neuroimaging data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Prior experience working with infants and children in a research setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analysis of infant brain imaging data.
• Experience in the acquisition of infant neuroimaging data.
• Enthusiasm for exploring new research directions in collaboration with the PI.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering the healthy brain function of children across the lifespan with the mission to set and maintain a healthy trajectory for all children toward positive life outcomes through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by its Neuroimaging core, which fosters collaborations within departments at the University of Minnesota and across institutions to build teams with the highest possible degree of expertise.

Pay Range: $61,008-$65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).