Flatiron Research Fellow, Center for Computational Neuroscience

Simons Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 81,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Research budget

Housing nearby

Job summary

Simons Foundation invites applications for postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRFs) at the Center for Computational Neuroscience in New York City. FRFs are two-year positions with possible renewal, tied to a primary PI, and include a research budget and access to computing resources.

FRFs will engage in collaborative and independent research, aim to disseminate results through publications and software, and mentor students while attending CCN seminars and meetings.

Qualifications

• PhD with strong background in neuroscience, ML, statistics, physics, or applied math.
• Strong quantitative and analytic abilities for modeling and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Disseminate results via talks, publications, and software releases.
• Collaborate with CCN/Flatiron researchers and groups across centers.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students; contribute to CCN life and seminars.
• Organize workshops and participate in group meetings.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Multi-disciplinary mindset

Software & algorithm development

Independent work

Education

PhD in computational neuroscience or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Applications are invited for postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRFs) at the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) within the Flatiron Institute at the Simons Foundation. CCN’s research groups include:

• Neural circuits and algorithms (PI: Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii)
• High-dimensional dynamics & computation (PI: David Clark)
• Building biological intelligence (PI: John Pearson)
• Statistical analysis of neural data (PI: Alex Williams)

The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function. CCN takes a vertically‑integrated “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross‑disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model‑driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning.

FRFs at CCN are affiliated with a primary PI and are expected to participate in collaborative research with that PI and their group. FRF’s are permitted and encouraged to spend up to 30% of their time on research with other collaborators, including other PIs in CCN, members of other Flatiron Centers, and researchers outside of Flatiron. In addition to carrying out collaborative and independent research, FRFs are also expected to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations, publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. FRFs also have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

FRF positions are two‑year appointments and are generally renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRFs receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s world‑class scientific computing resources. FRFs may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCN. This is a full‑time in‑person position located at the Simons Foundation office in New York City.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

• Proposed research plans
• Synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCN research groups and projects

Description

Applications are invited for postdoctoral Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRFs) at the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) within the Flatiron Institute at the Simons Foundation. CCN’s research groups include:

• Neural circuits and algorithms (PI: Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii)
• High-dimensional dynamics & computation (PI: David Clark)
• Building biological intelligence (PI: John Pearson)
• Computational vision (PI: Eero Simoncelli)
• Information processing in biological networks & AI (PI: Yuhai Tu)
• Statistical analysis of neural data (PI: Alex Williams)

The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function. CCN takes a vertically‑integrated “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross‑disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model‑driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning.

FRFs at CCN are affiliated with a primary PI and are expected to participate in collaborative research with that PI and their group. FRF’s are permitted and encouraged to spend up to 30% of their time on research with other collaborators, including other PIs in CCN, members of other Flatiron Centers, and researchers outside of Flatiron. In addition to carrying out collaborative and independent research, FRFs are also expected to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations, publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. FRFs also have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

FRF positions are two‑year appointments and are generally renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRFs receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s world‑class scientific computing resources. FRFs may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCN. This is a full‑time in‑person position located at the Simons Foundation office in New York City.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following selection criteria:

• Past research accomplishments
• Proposed research plans
• Synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCN research groups and projects

Qualifications

Education

• PhD in computational neuroscience or a relevant technical field such as electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, physics, or applied math.
• PhD must be granted before the start of appointment.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics, statistics, scientific reasoning), coupled with a flexible multi-disciplinary mindset.
• Strong interest and experience in the scientific study of the brain.
• Demonstrated abilities in analytical calculations, software and algorithm development, modeling and/or scientific simulation.
• Ability to work well independently, as well as in a collaborative environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full‑time annual compensation for this position is $95,000
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways toscienceand mathematicscareers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law