About the Job
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Neuromodulation Research Center (NMRC) and Neuromodulation Research and Technology Lab (NRTL) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a casual Research Specialist to study the brain mechanisms involved in disordered sleep in Parkinsons disease (PD) and develop sleep-specific deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies. Under the direction of Luke Johnson, PhD and Matt Johnson, PhD, the succesful candidate will work collaboratively within the NMRC/NRTL on a clinical research project and have the unique opportunity to perform cortical and subcortical electrophysiological recordings across the sleep-wake cycle in patients receiving DBS implants. The successful candidate may also be involved in a study utilizing high-field 7T MRI fiber tractography and computational modeling to associate pathway activation patterns with sleep outcomes following clinically optimized DBS in PD patients. The specialists research will provide a better understanding of the brain circuitry involved in isordered sleep in PD, contribute to the development of electrophysiological based strategies (e.g., closed-loop DBS) for the treatment of sleep-wake disturbances, and provide the rationale for selection of DBS targets and programming settings in PD patients for whom sleep disturbances play a major role in their disease.
The candidate should have a strong quantitative background and signal processing expertise appropriate for the analysis of neural activity. Candidates with a background in sleep
physiology are especially encouraged to apply.
100% - Research Duties:
Data collection, analysis, method development, publication of results in manuscripts, proceedings, and conference abstracts
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
PhD in Neuroscience, BME, ECE, or similar field
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others
Strong quantitative background and signal processing expertise appropriate for the analysis of neural activity
Strong record of presenting research results through publications and conference abstracts
Preferred Qualifications:
Programming in MATLAB
A background in sleep physiology
About the Department
This position is located in the Department of Neurology.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $33.00 - $39.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
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