Tenure-Track, Assistant/Associate Professor in Computational Neuroscience

Job Description

The Department of Translational Neuroscience at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is seeking applications for a faculty, Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor in Computational Neuroscience. Competitive candidates are expected to utilize computational tools or mathematical theory to investigate and address fundamental questions about how nervous systems generate behavior. We are seeking basic/discovery neuroscientists who also recognize the importance of translational paradigms for advancing innovations that promote human health. 

All domains in computational neuroscience will be considered. Competitive candidates will have a demonstrated record of productivity using or developing computational methods and theory, a demonstrated commitment to collaboration, and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive culture. 

Particular areas of interest include research programs that consider a wholistic approach to brain function and behavior, potentially spanning genetic/epigenetic, synaptic, and circuit/network mechanisms as they relate to behavior and cognition in healthy and disordered states. The use of mathematical theory, computational models, and computational methods should be wielded to provide new insight into mechanisms underlying observed neural/behavioral response patterns by making experimentally testable predictions with some degree of relevant biological detail. Given the wide range of model systems in our department, the ability to bridge disciplines and develop cross-disciplinary collaborations is highly desired. 

The Department of Translational Neuroscience and Wake Forest University School of Medicine are highly collaborative environments with research targeting multiple levels of investigation spanning molecules, cells, circuits, and behavior. Model systems also span a wide range including cell culture, rodents, non-human primates, and humans. Empirical measurement modalities include molecular and circuit imaging and electrophysiology in model organisms (including central and peripheral systems), peripheral biomarkers, non-invasive rodent, nonhuman primate, and human brain imaging (e.g., PET, MRI, fMRI, MEG), brain stimulation (e.g., TMS), behavioral pharmacology and pharmacodynamics, and an extensive capacity for behavioral characterization of rodent, nonhuman primate, and human behaviors. Also, as part of a newly merged healthcare system including Atrium Health and Advocate Health, we also have access to one of the country’s largest unified electronic health records systems, which may be leveraged under a newly formed single IRB system for analysis and targeted recruitment of special populations.

Collaborative opportunities reach beyond our department’s borders with many successful collaborations spanning the departments of Translational Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, numerous cross-disciplinary opportunities and mentorship are available in our rapidly growing neuroscience environment including opportunities to collaborate within the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, the Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center, Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Neuroscience Clinical Trials and Innovation Center, Center for Precision Medicine, the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and more.

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM) is a U.S. News and World Report top 50 ranked medical school, integrated with a world class health system, Atrium Health. Our Enterprise serves over 7 million patients in seven states across the Southeastern United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Atrium Health brings together four regional health systems that operate 40 hospitals and more than 1400 care locations. Our academic core, WFUSM, has over $300M in annual, extramural funding that drives a cutting-edge Academic Learning Health System by integrating innovative research with excellent patient care across our enterprise.  Our highly integrated academic and clinical environment is deeply committed to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for all.   WFUSM is home to nationally and internationally recognized research in Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging and Mobility, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Obesity, Cancer, Neurosciences, and Regenerative Medicine. Research excellence, coupled with a robust Informatics data infrastructure, clinically integrated implementation science efforts, and a firm commitment to the promotion of health equity renders the WFUSM a rich environment for breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and improvements in quality of life.  We are in a phase of unprecedented growth and evolution and will recruit over 40 new research-intensive faculty to bolster our commitment to growing our Academic Learning Health System. 

Inquiries and applications may be emailed* to the Chair of this search committee:

Kenneth T. Kishida, PhD

Associate Professor

Department of Translational Neuroscience

Department of Neurosurgery

Department of Biomedical Engineering

[email protected]

*please include “Computational Neuroscience Faculty Search” in the subject line.

This position is located in Winston-Salem, NC and resides in the Piedmont Triad Community Research Center (PTCRC).

To apply for this position please send:

1. One page Research Narrative introducing and describing the vision and practicalities that are foundational to your research program.
2. List of 3 potential references, whom we will contact in later stages of the recruitment process (and after we have your permission).
3. CV