About the Role
The goal of this exciting multidisciplinary, multi-institutional training program based at Massachusetts General Hospital and the School of Engineering and the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University is to enhance recovery from disabling brain injuries by filling a pressing need for clinician-scientists and neuroengineers trained to leverage the computational neurosciences and to develop and test device-based and other interventions for patients. We seek post-doctoral (PhD) neuroengineers/computational neuroscientists and post-doctoral (MD or MD/PhD) clinician-scientists to train under a multidisciplinary training faculty from anesthesia, biomedical engineering, computational neuroscience, neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, and radiology.
This program is designed to meet individual objectives. Research projects must be within at least one of the following four thematic areas:
1. Clinical research and clinical trials
2. Computational neuroscience
3. From neural recording to neural imaging
4. Neural repair and neuromodulation
The program’s core is a group of collaborative, multidisciplinary faculty mentors in engineering and the clinical neurosciences. We develop future academic researchers who have expertise in both engineering and clinical neuroscience, and who can communicate effectively across these domains.
The fellowship program is designed to provide trainees with a comprehensive research experience that prepares them for a career in academia or industry. The program is centered around conducting a closely-mentored, independent research project in the laboratory of the trainee's primary mentor, which accounts for at least 80% of their time. This experience not only involves learning how to conduct research independently but also how to collaborate with others, including their secondary mentor, as part of a multi-disciplinary team. In addition to their research project, trainees attend targeted seminars, journal clubs, visiting scholar talks, and monthly lunches to expand their knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field.
Trainees also receive instruction and practice in writing and presenting their research findings, as well as professional skills workshops to enhance their communication and leadership abilities. They spend no more than 20% of their time on clinical care, as the focus is primarily on research.
Participation in weekly lab meetings, tutorials with the lab director related to their research, and all other lab activities is mandatory. Trainees also develop and perfect proposals for K-awards or the equivalent during Year 2 of the fellowship, which allows them to obtain funding for their future research.
In addition to their research-focused activities, trainees are required to complete one advanced engineering or clinical trials methods course per year. This can be audited or taken on a pass/fail basis, depending on the trainee's preference. The program director has the authority to waive or adjust this requirement based on the trainee's background and experience. Trainees are also encouraged to attend Grand Rounds in the clinical specialty related to their research when relevant topics are being presented. Overall, the fellowship program provides a rigorous and well-rounded experience that equips trainees with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen career path.
Requirements
Eligible trainees will be supported for 2 years and must be US citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).
Eligible trainees must identify a T32 mentor or, if the intended mentor is not listed as a T32 faculty member, choose a T32 faculty member as a co-mentor prior to applying.
Eligible trainees must submit their current CV, a 2 page letter of intent (including aims, the methods for the proposed projectm and a plan for progression to independent funding after the project is completed), and your mentor's and co-mentor's NIH Biosketch to Isabel Davis, idavis3@mgh.harvard.edu, along with the names of three referees who have agreed to be contacted as references.
The MGH Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery (CNTR) develops, tests, and deploys novel neurotechnologies to improve the care of people suffering from diseases or injuries of the nervous system.