Postdoctoral Fellow in Imaging Approaches to Measuring Brain Energetics

Postdoctoral Fellow in Imaging Approaches to Measuring Brain Energetics

School:
Faculty of Arts and Sciences;
Department/Area:
Human Evolutionary Biology.

We seek a postdoctoral research associate to work with Professor Christopher Kuzawa at Harvard University on a study that will validate and implement imaging-based proxies for brain energy expenditure, to be used to characterize the energetic costs of the brain across human development (recently shown to account for 66% of resting expenditure in childhood). Eventual uses include characterizing individual and population variation in brain energy use, the experiential drivers of that variation, and possible impacts on downstream traits including growth patterns, body composition and critical periods in cognitive development.

The associate will work with and liaise between collaborators in the Departments of Human Evolutionary Biology (Harvard/Cambridge), the Department of Neuroscience (Harvard/Cambridge) and the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging (Harvard/ MIT /Mass General). In parallel, there will be opportunities to analyze and publish existing data upon identifying areas of mutual interest.

The appointment is for one year with a possibility of renewal based on performance. The appointment will be funded by non-federal sources.

Candidates must have a PhD with background in human neuroimaging or related field with interest in novel approaches to estimate brain metabolism.

Candidates should upload the following materials:

• 2–3 page cover letter outlining their research interests and experience.
• Names and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2025, with an earliest start date of July 1, 2025.

Salary Range: $67,600–$80,000.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy.

Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.