The Neuroimaging Research Lab (Gao Lab) at the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is recruiting one or two postdoctoral scientists to join the efforts for a better understanding of the brain’s normal and abnormal developmental mechanisms using advanced neuroimaging techniques combined with detailed developmental assessments. The lab is supported by multiple NIH grants focusing on delineating both the normal brain development trajectories and risk-related alterations, particularly those associated with prenatal drug exposures (two R01s). Effects of other genetic (e.g., familial risk of autism) and environmental risks factors (e.g., maternal obesity and poverty) are also studied through close collaborations with investigators at different institutions. Moreover, novel gut-brain axis studies trying to delineate the relationship between gut microbiome and brain functional circuits are also explored in the lab with the hope to detect novel interventional/therapeutic options. The candidates will thus have an unique opportunity to work on a diverse range of research topics with a strategic focus on early brain and behavioral development.

Our local team of experts include neuroimagers, developmental psychologists, neonatologists, OBGYN, substance use disorder treatment specialists, imaging physicists, and biostatisticians. Moreover, we are one of the awardees of the Phase I Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD, R34) study so there will be great opportunities to work with a diverse team of experts from multiple sites on this exciting project to better understand both normal brain developmental trajectories and effects of prenatal drug exposures.

Successful candidates should have extensive research experience in resting-state functional connectivity study. Experiences with task fMRI, diffusion MRI, or structural MRI, are viewed as a significant plus.

If interested, please email Wei Gao at Wei.Gao@csmc.edu or Wei.gao@cshs.org so we can talk more!

Our website: [www.cedars-sinai.org]

Thanks,
Wei

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Wei Gao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Neuroimaging Research
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Imaging, and BIRI
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Associate Professor
David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California, Los Angeles
Office: 310-423-6699