Post-doctoral position on fMRI-based neurofeedback to relieve drug-resistant hallucinations

KEY WORDS

CITY

COUNTRY

France

DETAILS OF THE OFFER

Working place: University of Lille at the Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Centre (INSERM U-1172), Beliefs & Perception team, in collaboration with the KCL department of neuroimaging (King's College, UK).

Missions:

Title: Using multivariate pattern classification and fMRI closed-loop training to reduce hallucination severity in patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia

Summary of the post-doctoral project:
Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are extremely debilitating for those that experience them. Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a key diagnostic feature of psychotic disorder and are associated with increased neural activity and altered connectivity in auditory/language regions. Around 30-40% of cases are treatment-resistant (using conventional pharmacological & psychological therapies). There is a need for novel and innovative therapies based on improved mechanistic understanding. In this project we will assess the efficacy of a new fMRI-based neurofeedback procedure that also uses multivariate pattern classification in the treatment of drug-resistant hallucinations using an RCT design (the UNREHAL trial). It is expected that the study will provide important pilot data for future translational work to the treatment of psychosis and AVH.

Key facts on the post-doctoral project:

• Faculty sponsor/ PI: Pr. Renaud Jardri (https://pro.univ-lille.fr/en/renaud-jardri/) & Pr. Paul Allen (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/paul-allen) ;
• Appointment term: 36-month position with the possibility of an extension/ with a start date ASAP (ideally around summer 2024). The position will remain open until filled with the constraint of the end of the contract (2026) ;
• Funding sources: WILL International Chair Award (https://newsroom.univ-lille.fr/actualite/cinq-specialistes-internationaux-a-luniversite-pour-4-ans) & France 2030 PROPSY Precision Psychiatry national program (https://anr.fr/en/france-2030/programmes-et-equipements-prioritaires-de-recherche-pepr/propsy-psychiatrie-de-precision/) ;

Qualifications:

• To have defended a PhD in neuroscience, cognitive science or computer science prior to starting the fellowship, with good coding skills and an expertise in fMRI data analysis. To have worked in the field of real-time fMRI neurofeedback is also desirable. Preference will be given to candidates who have previously worked with patients with psychosis (e.g., recruitment, clinical assessment) ;
• Women and underrepresented minorities in academia are strongly encouraged to apply.

TYPE OF JOB

TYPE OF CONTRACT

CDD (temporary, 36 months)

REMUNEARATION