Recruit

The Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience in the Division of Digestive Diseases at the University of California Los Angeles is seeking a full time Post-Doctoral Research Fellow for a U54-funded project studying sex-related differences in the brain-gut-microbiome interactions related to visceral pain. This project is focused on the sex-specific effect of gut microbial metabolites, and estrogen levels on ascending arousal pathways originating in distinct brainstem nuclei to change the activity and connectivity of brain networks involved in symptom generation in irritable bowel syndrome.

As a part of an multidisciplinary research team the fellow will apply advanced computational, neuroimaging, biostatistical, and bioinformatics approaches to assess the interaction between various levels of biological data (e.g., microbiota, metabolites, sex hormones, multimodal brain and brainstem imaging data), clinical variables (symptom severity, widespread pain) and sex.

There will be opportunities to develop translational and clinical neuroscience research skills (e.g., target discovery, individualized treatment development and biomarker/predictor development), in addition to state-of-the-art analytical skills to address basic and pathophysiological systems biology questions.

The G Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience (CNSR) is an interdisciplinary, translational Center funded by the National Institutes of Health, and by philanthropic support. The overall research goals of the CNSR are to better understand the interactions between mind brain and body in health and disease, and to develop novel management strategies for optimal health and for complex chronic disorders.

Center investigators are conducting clinical, translational and basic research with human populations, using interventions (e.g., diet, cognitive behavioral therapy) alongside deep phenotyping including neuroimaging, mutli-omics profiling (gut microbiome, metabolomics, inflammatory biomarkers, psychosocial and behavioral assessments. You will work directly with Arpana “Annie” Gupta, PhD and Jennifer Labus, PhD and an array of faculty collaborators across UCLA, and beyond.

There will be many opportunities to lead high impact publications starting on day one, working with existing rich and unique datasets in addition to creating new ones. Extensive mentorship will be provided to facilitate the transition to an independent research career.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Post-Doctoral Fellow’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• Develop longitudinal multimodal MRI data analysis streams (functional connectivity, task-based fMRI, diffusion tractography and volumetrics).
• Analyze complex multi-omics datasets including imaging, gut microbiome, metabolomics, behavioral and clinical data.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Be inquisitive, curious and publish!

Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• Strong proficiency and independence with various neuroimaging analysis platforms, multivariate modeling strategies and network connectivity analyses.
• Established quantitative and statistical skills, including strong programming skills and comfort with diverse computing environments. Experience with R, Linux, Matlab or Python preferred.
• Background in systems/cognitive neuroscience, neuroanatomy and psychological/clinical constructs.
• A demonstrated capacity to drive first author publications.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, motivated and driven to publish.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Connectomics network analysis and machine learning modeling confer a very significant advantage.
• Management/coding of neuroimaging databases (XNAT or others).

Additional Information:
This is a 2 to 3-year term position with great opportunities for training in human systems biology, translational/clinical applications and diverse integrated methodologies. Expected start date: Summer/Fall 2022

The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what’s right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at https://medschool.ucla.edu/cultural-north-star.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.