May 2015

 

 



 

 

First_StoryHi SNL Members,

 

This year seems to be speeding by, and in five short months we will be together in the great city of Chicago at our Annual Meeting. While staying at the meeting hotel, The Drake, you will enjoy its history, amenities and hospitality. Reserve your room early because the block will fill up quickly.
  
Registration is now open for SNL 2015 in Chicago. Register now before August 7, 2015 to receive discounted registration rates.  

 

Upcoming Dates for SNL 2015

 

Travel Awards Applications Open:

June 1, 2015

 

Deadline to Submit Abstracts:
June 18, 2015
 

Deadline for Early Registration:
August 6, 2015
   

 

 

    

 

SNL 2015

 October 15 - 17, 2015

Chicago, Illinois

 

 

In This Issue    

    

   

March Job Postings and Announcements

 

 

 

  

The Drake Hoel

 

 Job Postings & Announcements 

 If you have a job posting, general announcement, conference or workshop posting that you would like to include in the SNL Newsletter, please send it to

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

JobPostingsJob Postings and Announcements

 

Student Positions

 

Doctoral Student Position - Neurodevelopment of speech-motor control

 

The Neurodevelopmental Speech Disorders Laboratory (PI Deryk Beal, PhD) at the University of Alberta invites applications for a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC - http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca) funded doctoral student position in the areas of developmental cognitive neuroscience, sensorimotor integration and speech-motor control.

 

The Neurodevelopmental Speech Disorders Laboratory provides a rich and multidimensional advanced doctoral training program. The lab is positioned within the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (www.neuroscience.ualberta.ca), MR Research Centre (www.invivonmr.ualberta.ca ), Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (www.istar.ualberta.ca) and Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

 

The successful candidate will oversee neuroimaging and behavioral experiments detailing the neurodevelopment of sensorimotor control in children. Duties will include collection and analyses of behavioural data, functional and structural MRI and DTI data, preparation of manuscripts for publications and participation in reading groups, symposia and conferences. There are many very strong opportunities for meritorious-based authorship.

 

The successful applicant will have an undergraduate or master's degree in a field related to cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, psychology, developmental psychology, medicine or speech pathology. Individuals with a background in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering or computer science will also be considered.

 

The candidate should be able to work efficiently, independently and diligently. The candidate should  also possess excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and enjoy working as part of a diverse and energetic interdisciplinary team. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic track record and significant skill with statistical analysis. Programming skills (MATLAB, C++; Python) and experience with at least one of the neuroimaging analyses programs (SPM, FSL, Freesurfer, ExploreDTI) are strongly desirable. 

 

Successful candidates will participate fully in the activities of the laboratory including regular supervisory meetings, laboratory meetings and journal clubs. 

 

For consideration please send a statement of interest, a CV, unofficial transcripts and a list of three potential referees via email to Deryk Beal, PhD (dbeal@ualberta.ca)

 

 

Postdoctoral Positions

 

Postdoctoral position, Language Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Arizona
 
 

A Postdoctoral position is available in the Language Neuroscience Laboratory (PI: Stephen M. Wilson) at the University of Arizona. The successful applicant will play a key role on an NIH-funded project investigating the neural correlates of recovery from aphasia after acute stroke.

 

A Ph.D. is required in a relevant field, such as Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting neuroimaging studies (e.g. fMRI, DTI) related to the study of language. A record of research productivity is highly desirable. Programming skills are highly desirable.

 

Research in the Language Neuroscience Laboratory is focused on the neural basis of language function, how language breaks down in patients with different kinds of aphasia, and the neural changes that support recovery. Our approach combines multimodal neuroimaging with quantitative assessments of language function. We have access to two recently installed and fully equipped Siemens Skyra 3-Tesla scanners (one for inpatients and one dedicated to research). The UA Medical Center has a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center that sees approximately 300 stroke patients per year. The University of Arizona has a long history of leadership in aphasia research, and the successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of researchers from Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Neurology, and Medical Imaging. For more information about the lab and our collaborators, please visit http://neuroling.arizona.edu.

 

Salary will be commensurate with experience, and is expected to be consistent with NIH NRSA stipends. The start date is flexible, and the position is open until filled. More information about the position is available at http://www.hr.arizona.edu/jobs (search position 58097).

 

To apply, please send a letter of interest, a CV, up to three representative publications, and contact information for two references, to Stephen M. Wilson smwilson@u.arizona.edu.  

 

Postdoctoral Fellow position

PI: Kyrana Tsapkini, PhD

Department of Neurology

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA

 

The Department of Neurology of Johns Hopkins University is now looking for (1) Postdoctoral Fellow for an NIH-funded project on the effects of tDCS in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The project is devoted to the study of language intervention(s) and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative diseases and, in particular, PPA. We use behavioral and neuromodulation intervention methods (e.g., tDCS) and we aim to understand their effectiveness and the brain mechanisms they involve using neuroimaging (structural MRI, DTI, fMRI, resting-state fMRI).

 

The ideal candidate should have, or will soon have, a doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline and prior research experience in cognitive psychology, neurolinguistics, neuroscience, speech-language pathology or related field. The Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to perform behavioral and tDCS interventions in participants with PPA, perform statistical analyses, present research at conferences, and write papers. The successful candidate will also assist with grant preparation and be responsible for patients' visits and IRB protocols. Prior experience working with people with aphasia and fMRI research is strongly preferred. Programming experience with eprime, Matlab or R is also desired. The successful applicant should be highly motivated, organized, personable, willing to learn, responsible, reliable, and efficient. The successful applicant will also work collaboratively with students, other post-doctoral scientists and other faculty members of the Johns Hopkins community.

 

This is a full-time, one-year (renewable) position, preferably with a two-year commitment and can start as early as May 2015. For further information, interested candidates should email a CV, writing sample, and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Tsapkini at tsapkini@jhmi.edu. Johns Hopkins University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.

 

Kyrana Tsapkini, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of Neurology

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Email: tsapkini@jhmi.edu 

 

 

Faculty Positions

 

Tenure Track Position "Neuropsychology of Language and Language Disorders"

Application deadline: 17 May 2015

 

Responsibilities

The research consortium Language in Interaction invites applications for a tenure track position, offered with a view to long-term embedding of neuropsychological research in a clinical setting, and enhancement of collaborative research in the field of language-related disorders.

 

The specific focus of the position is on the neuropsychology of language, bridging gaps at the clinical /non-clinical intersection (e.g. language-related disorders). This integration can be achieved using a varied set of methods, such as behavioural experimentation, functional neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and formal computational modelling of language processes.

 

You will head an independent research group to be established to promote the interaction between clinical and pre-clinical researchers. You will be expected to conduct research in one or more research areas relevant to the position. Supervision of BSc, MSc and PhD projects will be part of your responsibilities. Administrative duties will include local and/or national committee memberships. With a view to continuation, the position may be expanded to include teaching and clinical work. You will be provided with budgetary resources, a PhD student or technician, materials and consumables.

 

Work environment

The Netherlands has an outstanding track record in the language sciences. The Language in Interaction consortium, sponsored by a Gravitation grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific research (NWO), brings together many of the excellent research groups in the Netherlands in a research programme on the foundations of language. Excellence in the domain of language and related relevant fields of cognition is combined with state-of-the-art research facilities and a research team with ample experience in complex research methods and utilization.

This position is equally shared by two research centres within Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University and RadboudUMC. The Donders Institute is a world-class research centre devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of human cognition and behaviour. The institute conducts research in an international setting with more than 600 researchers from 35 countries. English is the lingua franca. In 2013, the Donders Institute was assessed by an international evaluation committee as excellent and recognized as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'.

 

What we expect from you

You should be a creative and talented researcher, a strong experimenter in the neuropsychology of language, and have a clinical background and experience with patient studies.

 

Other requirements are:

− a PhD degree in a field relevant to the position concerned;

− an established international reputation;

− strong track record of peer-reviewed international publications;

− experience with successfully applying for external funding;

− experience with (co-)supervision of PhD students;

− management skills required for academic leadership.

 

What we have to offer

- full time position

- a maximum gross monthly salary of € 5,171 based on a 38-hour working week; starting salary depends on qualifications and experience;

- you will be appointed for a period of 48 months; after 4 years, a permanent position will be offered if your performance is evaluated positively.

 

Are you interested?

Check this link for more information on this job offer and how to apply:

http://www.ru.nl/newstaff/vacaturebeschrijving?recid=554020

 

Research Positions

 

RESEARCH POSITION IN MOVEMENT SCIENCE AND REHABILITATION

 

Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, internationally known for its research in neuroscience and neurorehabilitation, seeks a scientist to join its expanding program in movement science and motor disability. Applicants should have a background in movement science and interest in translational research, particularly as applied to aspects of mobility in neurologic populations. Early career investigators with postdoctoral research training, as well as mid-career scientists, are welcome to apply.

 

The institute scientist position at MRRI is a full-time independent research position that is comparable to a university faculty position. The primary expectation is that applicants would develop and direct an independent program of research in the mobility domain of rehabilitation. The research program may fall anywhere along the translational continuum from understanding basic mechanisms of motor performance and recovery to theory-based treatment advancement in rehabilitation. This position offers numerous opportunities for collaboration with other MRRI investigators and skilled MossRehab clinicians, and with colleagues in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, including those involved in structural and functional neuroimaging, TMS, and tDCS. Office and laboratory space are available in a newly renovated research building, with ready access to relevant patient populations and gait and motion laboratory facilities.

 

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network is proud to offer our employees unparalleled career opportunities including competitive compensation, attractive benefits plan including medical/dental/vision coverage, generous vacation time, and tuition reimbursement. EOE

 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, and 3 letters of reference to:

Kevin Whelihan, Administrator

MRRI, MossRehab @ Elkins Park

50 Township Line Road

Elkins Park, PA 19027

or whelihak@einstein.edu . Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

Research Associate

Haskins Laboratories, 300 George Street, Suite 900, New Haven CT 06511

www.haskins.yale.edu

Dr. Kenneth Pugh, President & Director of Research

 

We are seeking motivated individuals for multiple Research Associate positions with Haskins Laboratories, located near Yale University in New Haven, CT. The positions will provide hands-on research experience on multiple projects funded by the National Institutes of Health on basic and applied research on spoken and written language. Haskins' scientific team focuses on understanding (1) how the speech language apparatus becomes adapted to reading and writing, (2) how brain systems support speech and reading across different languages and multilingual populations, (3) the disorders of language and reading, and effectiveness of intervention programs, and (4) the plasticity in human sensorimotor systems. Our projects employ multiple neuroimaging modalities, including MRI, EEG and NIRS, in combination with eye-tracking, computational modeling, and behavioral testing of children and adults. The successful applicant will be able to work both independently, and as part of our multidisciplinary international group. Haskins research associates have the opportunity to participate in relevant scientific talks, meetings and conferences, and regularly meet with scientists.

 

Requirements include:

-                  B.A. or B.S. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Educational Psychology, Speech Language Pathology or a related field

-                  Prior research experience with human populations

-                  Prior experience with data collection and data management

-                  Formal training with statistical analysis (ANOVA, regression)

-                  Willing to work occasional weekends and evenings

 

Additional relevant skills include:

-                  Experience with E-Prime, Presentation, and/or PsychoPy

-                  Strong analytical and statistical skills (Python, R, MATLAB, C/C++)

-                  Strong computer skills using Mac OS X, including software (e.g., FileMakerPro,Excel)

-                  Previous research experience with neuroimaging techniques and data analysis (EEG/ERP, structural and functional MRI, DTI, fNIRS)

-                  Experience with AFNI, FSL, Freesurfer or SPM

 

We are seeking to fill two positions:

Behavioral Research Associate Position #5010:

Primary responsibilities include:

-                  Recruiting participants and data management

-                  Administering and scoring standardized tests

-                  Assist data collection (behavioral and neuroimaging) and data analysis (e.g. using R)

-                  Assist in experimental and study design

Specific requirements include:

-                  Prior experience administering and scoring standardized tests

-                  Prior experience with children or special populations (willing to be playful, can come up with creative approaches to working with children)

 

Neuroimaging Research Associate Position # 5011:

Primary responsibilities include:

-                  Performing data analysis of behavioral and neuroimaging data (MRI, NIRS) using AFNI, FreeSurfer

-                  Assist with neuroimaging data acquisition and data management

-                  Assist in continued development of novel analysis strategies for neuroimaging datasets

Specific requirements include:

-                  Strong skills in programming/scripting for data analysis and management (Python, Bash/Tcsh, R, Matlab, and/or C++) 

 

Interested applicants should contact Tammy Ursini (ursini@haskins.yale.edu) with cover letter referencing either Job Position #5010 or #5011, resume, unofficial copy of college transcripts, and the names of three potential references. These positions will remain open until filled; desired start date is on or before May 15, 2015. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Haskins provides a vibrant research and learning environment, and actively supports skill development for all employees.

 

Haskins Laboratories is a private, non-profit research institute with a primary focus on speech, language, reading, and their biological basis. Haskins has long-standing, formal affiliations with the University of Connecticut and Yale University.

 

Haskins Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

 

 

Announcements

 

Become a member of the Academy of Aphasia

 

Membership in the Academy of Aphasia is open to individuals who are interested in the relationship between brain and language, language disorders resulting from brain diseases (progressive and non-progressive), recovery, and other areas of speech and language related research.

 

Academy members, both associate and regular, benefit from reduced registration rates at the annual meeting. An Academy of Aphasia membership contributes to a forum to promote scientific inquiry of language disorders, their neurological substrates, and avenues for rehabilitation. Membership also helps fund trainees to present their work in front of an international audience.

 

There are two membership categories:

1. Regular Membership is open to established and emerging researchers in brain and language research.

2. Associate Membership is open to those who have not yet met the eligibility requirements for regular membership. This category is popular with PhD students or those without an active research agenda such as clinicians.

 

For further information on how to apply for membership, please follow the link:

 

http://www2.academyofaphasia.org/membership 

 

 

 

Conferences, Workshops and Symposia

 

The Montreal Bilingual Brain Initiative Symposium: Multiple Perspectives on Bilingualism and the Brain - May 28 & 29, 2015

Montreal Neurological Institute

 

The bilingual brain is of great interest to the field of neuroscience as it offers a window into questions about how our brains are shaped by experience. This international symposium on bilingualism and the brain that will take place at the Neuro on May 28 and 29, 2015 aims to address the neural underpinnings of bilingual brain organization and issues around brain development and plasticity. We will bring together experts from multiple domains of neuroscience to shed light on current views of how experience influences brain function and structure from the developing brain through to old age and how we might understand brain plasticity in health and in disease. There will be two poster sessions and a panel discussion.

 

Public Lecture

Perspectives on bilingualism: From birth to aging - May 29, 2015 - 7:00 pm

Montreal Neurological Institute

 

Living in a city with many languages, we are often confronted with personal debates about what best decisions to make for our children and for ourselves. Experts from McGill University will try to separate fact from fiction and provide insights about bilingualism across the lifespan from birth to old age.

 

Denise Klein - Montreal Neurological Institute

Fred Genesee - Department of Psychology

Howard Chertkow - Bloomfield Center for Research in Aging, Lady Davis Institute 

 

Society for the Neurobiology of Language