PhD position in computational neuroscience University of South Carolina

Dr. Sha’s lab (  ) at the University of South Carolina is seeking PhD students in computational neuroscience in the Department of Psychology. Our lab is affiliated with the Carolina Autism & Neurodevelopment Center, the Institute for Mind & Brain, and working closely with the McCausland Center for Brain Imaging in Columbia, center of SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Our lab explores the mechanisms of atypical brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders) by leveraging computational modeling (e.g., deep learning models) to bridge neural circuitry, exposure (e.g., early life adversity) and psychopathological phenotypes, and treatment outcomes. These innovative projects will leverage state-of-the-art machine learning models and neuroimaging, supported by the brand-new Brain Imaging Center (with 3T and 7T MRI scanners) and the Biobehavioral Research Center at the University of South Carolina.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated student to gain hands-on experience with neuroimaging (e.g., MRI) and biomedical research techniques. The candidate will have full access to rich in-house and public datasets, and advanced neuroimaging platforms. Our lab fosters a collaborative and productive environment, and we actively support PhD students in generating high-quality research publications, applying for fellowships and securing their future career paths.

Key roles:

• Data analysis; present results and publish papers under the PI’s supervision
• Keep up-to-date on relevant studies and methods, and actively discuss them with the PI
• Present your work at national and international conferences

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., computational neuroscience, math, data science, biostatistics, biomedical engineering)
• Experience with neuroimaging MRI data analysis is preferred.
• Candidates with coding experience are preferred.