We seek three graduate students in Medical Biophysics, Neuroscience or Psychology. You will receive training from Western’s highly regarded graduate programs. In your research project, you will join a dynamic interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, clinician-researchers and computer scientists in the development of assessments of brain function in newborns.

There are many ways that brain injury can be sustained around the time of birth, which can have lifelong consequences for the individual, their family, and society as a whole. It is important to identify early which brain functions are impacted, so that care and intervention can be provided in the critical developmental time window when they are most effective.

The project has two facets: adapting neuroimaging methods from pediatric and adult fMRI to neonates; and designing probes of critical cognitive functions that can be administered in the first weeks of life. For this interdisciplinary challenge we seek strong, enthusiastic applicants with a background in medical biophysics, physics, engineering, computer science or mathematics to develop neuroimaging methodology and applicants with a background in cognitive neuroscience or experimental psychology to develop neurocognitive assessments.

The successful applicants will enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team and be able to communicate clearly with those from other areas of expertise.  To apply, please send a detailed CV and a cover letter explaining why this project interests you and how your skills and abilities will contribute, to Professor Rhodri Cusack (vacancies@cusacklab.org) with the subject line “Newborn project graduate student”.  Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to apply to the relevant graduate program. Please feel free to contact us if you have any informal enquiries. Shortlisting will begin on May 25, 2012. Successful applicants will begin courses in Fall 2012.