[Comp-neuro] Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Computational Neuroscience, Plymouth University, UK

 

We are looking for a very strong and motivated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to work on the multi-disciplinary BBSRC funded research project “Cross-modality integration of sensory signals leading to initiation of locomotion”.

 

The brain and spinal cord networks controlling and initiating locomotion in adult vertebrates, especially mammals, are remarkably complex. We will exploit a relatively simple system, the hatchling frog tadpole, where we have defined the neurons and networks generating swimming locomotion (Roberts et al., 2014, J of Neuroscience). We will investigate: how different modalities of sensory input converge on the key neuron population; how sensory integration determines the “decision” to swim; and how the tadpole selects and correctly implements the way swimming starts.

 

PDRF in Plymouth will be responsible for developing new mathematical and computational models of three types: 1) anatomical modelling of neural structures; 2) functional neural network models of conductance-based neurons; 3) modelling decision making in response to sensory stimulation.

 

All models will be grounded to available experimental evidence and will be developed in a strong collaboration with neurobiologists from University of Bristol and University of St Andrews. Therefore, experience in neuroscience data processing and statistical analysis is important.

 

This post is three-year duration, starting on 1st March 2014 (or as soon as possible after this date, subject to negotiation).

 

Candidate must either already have a PhD in computational neuroscience (or relevant area of research) or to be nearing completion of PhD studies. Candidate must have a track record of related publications. Excellent skills in programming are essential. In particular, experience with C++, Python, and MATLAB is required at initial stage to work with our previously developed software. Additionally, candidate should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of mathematical disciplines. Candidates with expertise in manipulation with neuroanatomical databases, and large scale simulation of spiking neurons will be preferred. Ideally, the candidate would also have knowledge of vertebrate brain and spinal cord, behavior modelling, and learning theory from a computational perspective.

 

Informal enquiries regarding the post, the project or the research details can be made to Prof Roman Borisyuk (rborisyuk@plymouth.ac.uk).

 

Closing date 09 February 2014

 

 

Roman Borisyuk, DSc, PhD

Professor of Computational Neuroscience

School of Computing and Mathematics

University of Plymouth

A224, Portland Sq

Plymouth, PL4 8AA

UK

Phone: +44 (0) 1752 584949

E-mail: RBorisyuk@plymouth.ac.uk

 

 

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