Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Job Summary

The Brain Circuits Laboratory, led by Drs. Steven Small and Ana Solodkin, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our team in the area of precision network neurology, with a focus on understanding how risk factors contribute to brain aging. This research is situated within the framework of predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory (P4) neurology and explores the impact of medical and lifestyle risk factors on brain network outcomes.

Ongoing projects involve advanced brain imaging, dynamic functional connectivity, network neurobiology of language and memory, and dynamic network modeling.

This position is based in the Department of Neuroscience within the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), with strong collaborative ties to the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The lab is located in the Texas Instruments Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Building, 2336 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75235. The lab benefits from close proximity to:

• The UT Dallas Center for Brain Health (featuring two Siemens Prisma 3T MRI systems)
• The UT Dallas Center for Vital Longevity
• The Advanced Imaging Research Center at UT Southwestern (housing a 7T MRI scanner and a MEG unit)
• The Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center

Salary is determined by years of experience per the current NIH (NRSA) stipend levels. The appointment is for 1 year with possibility of renewal and depends on funding and performance.

• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – 100% paid employee coverage for full‑time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short‑term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, Linked In Learning, and the UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in a related field or completion of all doctoral requirements with an official letter from the registrar.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Record of at least two first‑author publications in high‑impact, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Strong background in human neuroscience, including computational and statistical methods.
• Experience with neuroimaging software tools and MRI data acquisition.

Other Qualifications

For positions requiring access to critical infrastructure, the applicant must be able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

• Develop and execute clinical research studies in precision neurology.
• Interpret data and build dynamic network characterizations.
• Write multiple first‑author articles.
• Supervise graduate students and undergraduate researchers.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Basic knowledge in systems and/or cognitive neuroscience.
• Knowledge of brain imaging analysis methods.
• Knowledge of multivariate statistics and/or digital signal processing.
• Fluency with Unix OS and shell scripting.
• Fluency with scientific programming in Python, R, and/or MATLAB.
• Creative thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Command of literature in neurobiology of language, memory, and/or neurodegeneration.
• Kindness and collaborative ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in English (written and verbal).

After the probationary period, the role may be eligible for a partial hybrid schedule (remote and in‑office). Candidates must reside within the Dallas‑Fort Worth area and be able to report to campus on 24‑hour notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement must be completed within 14 days of approval.

Local travel for assessment or participant needs and occasional travel for training, conferences, etc.

UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, contact the ADA Coordinator. For nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Resume (optional)
• Veteran Employment Preference – DD‑214 (optional)