Research Associate, Data Scientist, Research Scientist

Position Summary:

The Epilepsy Institute in the Department of Neurology is hiring a Research Associate (Research Professional
5) to support clinical research protocols. Join a high-impact, interdisciplinary program at the intersection of epilepsy, neuromodulation, and sleep biology. We seek a motivated, ambitious research associate to lead cutting-edge research on how seizures disrupt sleep architecture and drive fragmentation, and to develop novel neuromodulation strategies to restore stable sleep and reduce seizure burden.

Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Data Management, Review, & Analysis (70%)

• Advanced Neural Signal Processing:
  Apply quantitative analysis, signal processing, and machine learning methods to high-dimensional EEG, neuromodulation, and sleep data streams
  to quantify seizure disruptions, sleep architecture, and fragmentation.
• Dynamical Modeling & System Identification:
  Develop mathematical models and perform system identification to characterize neural dynamics, closed-loop network behavior, and state
  transitions during sleep and seizure events.
• Real-Time Control & Optimization:
  Design, implement, and refine real-time control algorithms and optimization frameworks for adaptive neuromodulation strategies aimed at stabilizing sleep and mitigating seizure burden.
• Pipeline Development & Data Curation:
  Build, automate, and maintain robust computational pipelines for signal filtering, feature extraction, artifact removal, quality assurance, and secure data archiving across clinical research protocols.

2. Data Collection & Protocol Execution (20%)

• Bio-Signal Acquisition Oversight:
  Coordinate and execute data collection protocols for complex bio-signals and neural recordings from patients participating in clinical research studies and trial protocols.
• System Integration & Troubleshooting:
  Oversee hardware and software integration for real-time neuromodulation testing environments, ensuring seamless signal streaming, system stability, and protocol fidelity during active studies.
• Clinical & Interdisciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner closely with clinical research teams, neurologists, and technologists to align experimental data collection setups with ongoing patient
  care workflows.

3. Grant/Manuscript Writing & Dissemination (10%)

• Scientific Publication & Dissemination:
  Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and conference abstracts to broadly disseminate findings on
  sleep restoration and neuromodulation in epilepsy.
• Grant Development Support:
  Collaborate with principal investigators to draft methodological sections, preliminary data visualizations, and analytical budgeting for future NIH and foundation grant applications (e.g., expanding on NIH UH3 initiatives).
• Research Presentation:
  Deliver scientific updates and technical findings at local institute meetings, national scientific assemblies, and interdisciplinary symposia.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD) in neuroscience, engineering, physics, or related field with one or more years of research training.
• Expertise in signal processing, machine learning, or computational neuroscience.
• Experience in the implementation of real-time control systems and optimization for real world applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Strong record of presenting research results through publications and conference abstracts.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the collection and analysis of bio-signals and neural data.
• Practical experience in system identification and mathematical modeling of dynamical systems.

The Epilepsy Institute is a first-of-its-kind institute created to change the trajectory of epilepsy itself. By uniting precision care, personalized therapies, and preventive neuroscience within a single bold mission, the Institute will transform how epilepsy is treated today and redefine what is possible tomorrow. It will serve as a global home for discovery, innovation, and education – where clinical insight fuels scientific breakthroughs, and breakthroughs rapidly return to patients.

Pay Range: $60,948 annually - $79,391 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and…