Postdoctoral Associate | Laboratory of Theoretical Neuroscience

The Rockefeller University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rockefeller University in New York invites applications for enthusiastic postdocs to join the Zavatone-Veth lab. The role focuses on understanding how neural circuits implement computations and how ML tools can reveal these operations, with January 2027 start.

You will design independent and collaborative projects, present work at conferences, and mentor trainees in a growing lab moving to Rockefeller University.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical or computational neuroscience, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Strong programming (preferably Python) and mathematical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research projects.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing independent and collaborative research projects.
• Communicating research through conference presentations and through preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Mentoring trainees within the group.

Skills

Python programming

Mathematical skills

Independent research design

Education

PhD in theoretical or computational neuroscience

Job description

Organization Overview

The Zavatone-Veth lab is broadly interested in how neural circuits can implement interesting computations, and how one can identify the computations a neural circuit performs by observing it. Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence open new theoretical possibilities in both directions: On one hand, artificial neural networks can now be trained to perform ever more interesting tasks (including, as of late, proving interesting theorems); we would like to understand how these abilities arise. On the other, these advances provide us with a new set of tools to extract computational insights from measurements of biological neural systems. To use this toolkit effectively, we must understand when it works robustly, and where it can be improved.

Overview

We are seeking enthusiastic postdocs to join our growing lab as it moves to Rockefeller, starting as soon as January 2027. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to help shape our research in the coming years, and collaborate and mentor other trainees within the group.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Designing and execute independent and collaborative research projects
• Communicating research through conference presentations and through preparing manuscripts for publication
• Mentoring trainess, as appropriate

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in theoretical or computational neuroscience, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field.
• Strong programming (preferably Python) and mathematical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute research projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous research experience in theoretical neuroscience and/or machine learning.
• Previous experience in collaborating with experimental research groups.

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation

Compensation Range: Min

USD $72,100.00/Yr.

Compensation Range: Max

USD $72,100.00/Yr.