Post-doctoral positions on Cortical interneuron development / transplantation and human neurophysiology

Post-doctoral positions

Cortical interneuron development/transplantation and human neurophysiology

Laboratory of Derek Southwell, MD, PhD

Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurobiology at Duke University

Our group aims to improve neurologic therapies through basic and translational neuroscience.  We seek researchers with interests in one of the two following areas, both of which are studied by our laboratory.  The first is focused on cortical interneuron development, function and transplantation.  The second focuses on the organization and function of human neural circuits.

 

Cortical interneuron development, function, transplantation

We are studying how the functional identities of interneurons are established, how interneuron subpopulations differentially contribute to cortical circuit function, and how interneuron pathologies give rise to neurologic disease states.  We are also examining therapeutic applications of interneuron transplantation in pre-clinical settings, with a focus on the functional integration of transplanted interneurons into recipient neural circuitry, including human brain specimens.  These animal studies involve genetics, micro-surgery, electrophysiology in vivo and in vitro, imaging in vivo, microscopy, and behavior.

 

Human neurophysiology

We perform electrophysiologic studies of human patients who undergo intracranial electrode implantations during neurosurgical treatments.  In collaboration with an outstanding group of engineers, psychiatrists and data scientists at Duke, we are studying the organization and function of human brain circuits in patients.  Our studies focus on identifying biomarkers of disease states, including those present in behavioral conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as in epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.  These studies additionally aim to inform the development of cell- and device-based approaches to neuromodulation for disease.  These human studies involve behavioral study design, signal processing, and device development.

 

We are excited to have motivated, independent scientists with relevant training join our research group.  Applicants who have completed (or are nearing completion of) PhD training may apply for post-doctoral positions.  To apply, please email to derek.southwell@duke.edu a statement of interest and CV.