The Cogan Lab (PI: Gregory Cogan) at Duke University is seeking a research assistant to help analyze neural data recorded directly from the human brain during verbal working memory tasks. The role will involve working closely with both the PI and a neurosurgical resident in the lab (Daniel Sexton).

 

Research in the lab focuses on understanding the neural computations that underlie speech, language, and cognition. We use a combination of invasive recordings in adult and pediatric epilepsy patients: stereo-electroencephalography - SEEG, and electrocorticography – ECoG. We also collaborate closely with the Viventi Lab (viventi.pratt.duke.edu - Department of Biomedical Engineering) to develop high density/channel count micro-electroencephalography (µECoG - < 2 mm spacing, up to 1024 channels) to record from functional neurosurgery patients (e.g. epilepsy, movement disorders, tumor patients) to better understand the micro-scale of human cognition.

 

Responsibilities include data collection, neural data analysis, helping to write papers for publication, and some general administrivia.

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The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about a career in science/medicine/engineering, self-motivated, independent, creative, and have interest in speech/language and neural data analysis. They will also have great interpersonal skills and a strong willingness to learn.

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Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g. Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, etc.), and extensive experience with programming in Python. Prior experience with the analysis of neural signals is a plus.

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Duke University is an excellent and highly interdisciplinary place for research. Collaborators span multiple departments/institutes including the Department of Neurology, the Department of Neurosurgery, the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Biomedical Engineering.

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The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility for renewal based on performance and available funding. The position is open until filled. To apply, submit an application on the Duke Careers Website (here) and email the PI (gregory dot cogan at duke dot edu) with a statement of interest, CV, and 2 references.