Job Description
Postdoctoral Scholar in Pediatric Deep Brain Stimulation
The Sanger Lab at UC Irvine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join a collaborative project focused on developing novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies and algorithms for the treatment of childhood dystonia and other movement disorders. Our lab works closely with pediatric patients undergoing DBS surgery, acquiring rich multi-modal datasets including electrophysiology (local field potentials and single-unit recordings), kinematics, and behavioral performance. We aim to understand disease mechanisms and develop real-time, adaptive stimulation paradigms to improve patient outcomes.
Responsibilities:
· Analyze neural signals (LFPs, single-unit, multi-unit) from human recordings
· Develop and test feedback-controlled stimulation algorithms
· Collaborate on hardware/software integration for closed-loop DBS systems
· Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers
· Present findings at national and international conferences
· Contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals
· Pursue independent research aligned with the lab’s goals
Required Qualifications:
· PhD in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field
· Proven record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
· Hands-on experience with neurophysiology (human or animal), including single-unit and/or LFP recordings
· Strong background in biosignal analysis, including:
- Power spectral density (PSD) analysis
- Evoked potential analysis
- Artifact rejection and filtering
- Burst detection
· Programming proficiency in at least one of the following: Python, MATLAB, or C
· Familiarity with bioelectric interfaces such as neural amplifiers and stimulation systems
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to work independently and mentor junior lab members
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience with real-time systems, microcontrollers, or FPGA programming
· Background in developing closed-loop or adaptive stimulation systems
· Familiarity with machine learning methods (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, or time-series models)
· Knowledge of bioamplifier design or hardware/software co-design
· Experience analyzing behavioral or kinematic data alongside neural signals
· Prior research experience in movement disorders, motor control, or clinical DBS
The lab offers access to high-performance computing, a collaborative research environment, and opportunities to contribute to high-impact clinical neuroscience. Funding includes support for travel to national and international conferences.
To apply, please send a letter of intent and curriculum vitae to Alireza Mousavi at sseyyedm@uci.edu or Dr. Terry Sanger at terry@sangerlab.net