Postdoctoral Associate, Center for Brain Recovery, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Services

The Center for Brain Recovery (CBR) at Boston University is a cutting-edge research center focused on understanding mechanisms of language recovery following stroke and developing effective treatments for stroke survivors. Our interdisciplinary team of clinicians, neuroscientists, engineers, and data scientists is dedicated to advancing precision rehabilitation and next-generation neurotechnologies for individuals with aphasia.

Position Overview

The Center for Brain Recovery is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic team working on two complementary research initiatives. The successful candidate will advance groundbreaking work in understanding how the brain recovers language function after stroke and in developing neuroimaging-based prognostic frameworks to enhance precision rehabilitation, neuromodulation and therapeutics for aphasia. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, and precision therapeutics for aphasia recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Neural Network Engagement & Language Recovery Research:

• Conduct and analyze fMRI studies investigating how different brain networks (language network and domain-general multiple demand network) support language processing in persons with aphasia
• Evaluate how intensive language therapy modulates neural engagement across brain networks

Neuroimaging-Based Prognostication & Connectivity Mapping:

• Develop and refine computational pipelines for analyzing directional temporal-frontal connectivity using advanced neuroimaging data (MRI, DTI, rsfMRI)
• Build and validate lesion-informed cortical-dynamics simulations to compute patient-specific effective connectivity
• Create personalized "digital twins" of patient brains to identify recruitable language function and viable neuroprosthesis targets

Computational Modeling & Machine Learning:

• Develop machine learning models that predict individual recovery prognosis and treatment response from multimodal neuroimaging and behavioral data
• Apply interpretable AI methods to identify predictive neural biomarkers
• Validate prognostic algorithms on independent cohorts and translate findings into clinical candidacy assessments

Clinical Research & Data Management:

• Coordinate recruitment, screening, and enrollment of stroke survivors with aphasia across varying severity levels
• Oversee fMRI data collection and quality assurance
• Manage longitudinal study databases and ensure compliance with ethical research standards
• Contribute to clinical characterization of participants and behavioral assessments

Required Skills

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, biomedical engineering, data science, psychology, or related field
• Strong experience with fMRI data acquisition and analysis
• Proficiency in neuroimaging analysis software (FSL, SPM, AFNI) and programming languages (Python, MATLAB, or R)
• Experience with structural connectivity analysis and/or computational modeling
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team
• Commitment to ethical research practices and patient-centered care

Highly Desired:

• Experience with machine learning or deep learning applications in neuroimaging
• Prior involvement in clinical trials or clinical research with stroke or aphasia populations
• Experience with network neuroscience or connectivity analyses
• Familiarity with brain-computer interface, neuromodulation research or neurorehabilitation

Please note: this position is contingent upon external grant funding and is subject to annual review.

 

To apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to brainrec@bu.edu or kirans@bu.edu:

• A cover letter (1 page) outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and why this position aligns with your career goals
• A current CV detailing your academic and research achievements
• Contact information for at least two professional references

 

 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

Required Experience