Important Info
Email to Professor Dan Abrams at: daa@stanford.edu
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University invites applications for post-doctoral positions in speech and communication neuroscience in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This individual will be working in a new lab led by Daniel Abrams, Ph.D., within the Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory directed by Vinod Menon. We seek candidates with strong research backgrounds to work on an exciting NIH-funded project examining speaker-listener brain coupling during naturalistic communication in children with ASD. Our research integrates multimodal brain imaging techniques (fMRI, MRI, EEG), behavioral measures of speech perception and comprehension, and social, cognitive, and clinical assays to identify brain mechanisms underlying social and communication function and dysfunction.
The successful candidate will develop a vigorous research program that contributes to, and complements, ongoing neuroscientific research studies of speech and language function. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art brain imaging facilities and computational resources at Stanford University. Candidates must have a PhD and research experience in cognitive or auditory neuroscience, speech and hearing sciences, brain development, cognitive science, psychology, or related fields. Background and experience working with children (or adults) with ASD, strong computational skills, and expertise in fMRI and/or EEG data analysis are highly desirable.
The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate our interdisciplinary team includes researchers from multiple scientific and engineering disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, neurology, bioinformatics, computer science, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. This is an exciting opportunity to work on brain imaging studies of cognitive function and dysfunction, cognitive development and developmental disabilities.
DUTIES INCLUDE
• Acquisition and analysis of functional and structural brain imaging data.
• Conducting statistical analyses and assisting with manuscript preparation.
• Verifying data and entering pertinent information into database for statistical analysis
• Monitor the implementation of EEG and fMRI protocols.
• Collect and manage patient and laboratory data for clinical research projects through REDCap.
• Manage research project databases, develop flow sheets and other study related documents, and complete study documents/case report forms.
• Assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Appointees may also perform other duties as assigned.
The Abrams Laboratory
The Abrams Laboratory, directed by Dr. Daniel Abrams, aims to understand how the brain enables us to form and maintain social connections with one another through vocal communication, and why some clinical populations, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), struggle in this area. Our research integrates multimodal brain imaging techniques, behavioral measures of speech perception and comprehension, and social, cognitive, and clinical assays to identify brain mechanisms underlying social and communication function and dysfunction.
WORK STANDARDS
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong interpersonal skills and highly motivated
- Experience working with patient populations, particularly children with ASD
- Experience programming
- Experience with EEG brain recordings
- Experience with fMRI
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- PhD in neuroscience and one year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve work.
- Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
- General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
- Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*
• Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat and use fine light/fine grasping.
• Occasionally sit, reach above shoulders, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone and write by hand, lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
• Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, grasp forcefully, sort and file paperwork or parts, rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh 40 pounds or more.
(1) Current CV
(2) Contact information for 3 professional references
(3) A statement of interest in the position
