Senior Research Scientist - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) is a comprehensive multidisciplinary patient care, education, and research institute providing neurological and mental healthcare through more than 300,000 visits annually. The 300+ physicians and scientists of the RNI improve lives by pioneering advances in neuroscience, brain health, and therapeutics. The RNI team uses the latest technologies with academic, government, and industry partners to make tangible progress to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s disease.

About the role

This Senior Research Scientist will be part of The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Innovation Center research team to conduct preclinical and human research studies using neuromodulation technology.

Responsibilities

• Participate in preclinical and clinical neuromodulation research studies and assist with the development of new protocols.
• Conduct and oversee clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Evaluate and monitor study participants, ensure accurate clinical documentation, assess patient safety and adverse events, collaborate with research staff and sponsors, and maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), institutional policies, and applicable regulations.
• Use state-of-the-art imaging technology to study the neuroscience of human brain connectivity in conjunction with neuromodulation technology.
• Work independently and with a research team to carry out neuromodulation studies.
• Data analysis and reporting/publishing neuromodulation research projects.
• Work with image analytics and technical support teams.

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Radiology, Neurobiology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or similar science/engineering-related fields or equivalent.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the following:
  • Using neuromodulation technology for brain treatments.
  • Experience working with structural and functional connectivity in the brain.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Skills

• Conducting applied human research studies with neuromodulation.
• Conducting preclinical research studies with neuromodulation.
• Publishing and presenting scientific reports.
• Background experience and knowledge in:
  • Neurogenetics: chromatin remodeling, gene regulation and synaptic RNA dynamics in neurons.
  • Genome Imaging: Advanced imaging and analysis of chromatin architecture in the brain.
  • Computational Neuroscience: Bioinformatics and machine learning for genomic and imaging analyses.
  • Gene Therapy: DNA/RNA-based therapeutics and gene editing in neurological disorders.
• Experience working on federal awards (NIH, NSF, DOD).
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to create, annotate and maintain detailed research records.
• Working knowledge of scientific research methods and IRB policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and present information in one-on-one or general scientific audience settings.
• Ability to conduct data analytics and preparation of reports and/or publications.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week.
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar).
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year.
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Family includes immediate relatives, in-laws, and others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof).
• A range of health insurance and other benefits.
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.
• Wellness programs.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community, committed to the personal and professional growth of its employees. The university values service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and work-life balance.