A Post-Doctoral Associate position is available in the Clinical Neurophysiology Research Laboratory of Dean F. Salisbury, PhD, Director, at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine & University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The research goal of the Clinical Neurophysiology Research Laboratory is to further understand the pathophysiology of psychosis. We utilize multimodal imaging including concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) structural MRI, MR diffusion spectrum imaging, fMRI, and MR pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling measures of perfusion. Brain activity measures span simple sensory and perceptual processes to complex higher-order cognition. Dysfunction in auditory sensory processing and in the interplay between sensory perceptual systems and cognitive control mechanisms that allow adaptive and flexible human behavior in the face of unique current situations are the main areas of inquiry by which our team attempts to detect the underlying brain abnormalities giving rise to psychosis. Our strategy is to relate these functional measures to gray and white matter pathology, and, in turn, pathophysiology and pathology to symptoms. Understanding of the basic dysfunctions, in turn, will lead to earlier identification, better interventions, and improved outcome in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Thus, our group has the scientific aim of understanding basic auditory perceptual system-level pathology and pathophysiology in psychosis, and the applied clinical aim of developing new biomarkers of disease presence to detect true prodromal cases prior to the emergence of psychosis.

We seek an exceptional individual with training in MRI techniques to join a newly funded project to examine auditory verbal hallucinations and auditory cortex structural and functional connectivity in a longitudinal study of early psychosis. Training in MR neuroimaging is required. Familiarity with and skills in multimodal imaging, advanced signal processing (e.g., ICA, fusion), source localization, or other analytic methods are desired. Training in psychopathology, including clinical interviews and instruments (e.g., DSM, SCID, SANS, SAPS, PANSS, etc.), is preferable, but not an absolute requirement.

The postdoctoral position appointment is for one year with a potential for renewal pending funding and satisfactory performance. If interested, please contact Prof. Salisbury via e-mail (attach your CV): salisburyd@upmc.edu.