Research Assistant Position: Ultrasound Enhancement of Brain Lymphatic Clearance

Research Assistant Position: Ultrasound Enhancement of Brain Lymphatic Clearance
Dr. Seung-Schik Yoo, Neuromodulation and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (NTEL), Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Radiology, Medical School
Seung-Schik Yoo

Research Description: The central nervous system (CNS), particularly the brain, demands efficient waste clearance due to higher metabolic rates as well as sensitivity/vulnerability of neuronal activity toward extra-cellular environment compared to the other organs. Metabolic waste products from the brain are continuously exchanged within or transported out of the brain through various, yet much unknown routes, and ultimately drained to the systemic lymphatics. Neuromodulation and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (NTEL) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (situated in the Longwood medical area) is developing a new ultrasound-based technique that enhances the brain lymphatic drainage, thus promoting waste clearance from the brain in a non-invasive fashion. Development of non-pharmacological technique that enhances brain waste clearance will confer unprecedented opportunities, including the emerging concept of expediting lactate clearance that is relevant to sleep. Responsibilities: The RA will participate in literature search, experimental designing, actual rodent experiments, data collection (e.g., fluorescent imaging), image analysis (using ImageJ software), and interpretation of the results. The student will also be involved in manuscript preparation and be mentored throughout different phases of academic research. Requirements and Expectations: Willingness and eligibility to conduct research on rodents is required. Good hand skills are welcomed. Training on necessary lab skills and certification to conduct animal research will be provided. Matlab programming skills will also be helpful but not required. The student is expected to work 10 hrs/week through mutual scheduling and will engage in various lab activities and meetings. Additional Information: The position will be offered for course credit through MBB 90r (see https://mbb.harvard.edu/pages/research-course for details). In-person participation only. Lab location: 221 Longwood Ave, Boston (a part of Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Lab URL: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/ntel/home. To Apply: How to Apply for Position Please contact the P.I., Seung-Schik Yoo, at yoo@bwh.harvard.edu. (posted 8/2021)