Postdoctoral Neuroscience Researcher: Computation

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 61,008 - 71,532; Full time

Job summary

The Noel Lab in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Associates to join our team, funded by the Simons Foundation, to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of systems neuroscience and computational modeling.

The role emphasizes rodent neurophysiology, Bayesian inference, and large-scale data analysis, with opportunities to collaborate across the Simons SCENE consortium and international partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong publication record.
• Interest in perception and decision-making in real-world contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Hands-on experience with rodent behavior and surgeries.
• Expertise in large-scale neurophysiology and histology.
• Skilled in single-cell/population data analysis (e.g., GLMs, decoding).

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct innovative experiments (neurophysiology data collection).
• Build and maintain behavioral and neurophysiology rigs (head-fixed and freely-moving paradigms).
• Carry out rodent surgeries.
• Analyze data and contribute to computational models.
• Draft high-quality figures, manuscripts, and grant materials.
• Present findings at scientific meetings.
• Mentor students and foster lab culture.

Skills

English communication

Data analysis

Collaborative research

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Neuropixels

Histology

Video tracking

Job description

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Job ID

367946

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Academic

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Code

9546

Employee Class

Acad Prof and Admin

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About the Job

The Noel Lab (noel-lab.org) in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Associates to join our team. Funded by the Simons Foundation), these positions offer an exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of systems neuroscience and computational modeling.

Our lab is broadly interested in Bayesian inference, perception, multisensory integration, spatial navigation, sensorimotor loops, embodied cognition, and computational psychiatry. We work across levels of analysis-from single neurons to human behavior-using both rodent and human models. This position will focus primarily on rodent research, though exceptional candidates with expertise in human cognitive neuroscience are encouraged to apply.

Position Overview

Successful candidates will lead projects involving:
* Large-scale neurophysiology (e.g., Neuropixels recordings) in awake, behaving rodents.
* Computational modeling and advanced data analysis.

At least one role will be embedded within the newly launched Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE)-a multi-species, international consortium exploring ecological behaviors across rodents, bats, non-human primates, and humans (https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/04/24/simons-foundation-launches-collaboration-on-ecological-neuroscience/).

Collaborative Network

You will engage with a global team of scientists, including but not limited to:
* Jan Zimmermann (University of Minnesota)
* Mate Lengyel (Cambridge)
* Daniel Wolpert (Columbia)
* Cris Neill (University of Oregon)
* Andreas Tolias (Stanford)
* Alexander & Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL)
* Constantin Rothkopf (TU Darmstadt)
* Nanthia Suthana (Duke)

Opportunities for travel, data sharing, and joint publications across sites will be plentiful.

Job Responsibilities

Research (95% effort)
* Design and conduct innovative experiments (e.g., neurophysiology data collection)
* Build and maintain behavioral and neurophysiology rigs (head-fixed and freely-moving paradigms, including video-tracking)
* Rodent surgeries
* Analyze data and contribute to computational models
* Draft high-quality figures, manuscripts, and grant materials
* Present findings at scientific meetings

Mentoring and Instruction (5% effort)
* Mentor students and foster a dynamic, collaborative lab culture.
* Maintain proper documentation and keep standard operating procedures up to date.


Details
* Start Date: July 1, 2025 (negotiable)

Qualifications

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications
* Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
* Strong publication record
* Interest in understanding perception and decision-making in real-world contexts
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
* Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python
* Hands-on experience with rodent behavior and surgeries
* Expertise in large-scale neurophysiology and histology
* Skilled in single-cell/population data analysis (e.g., GLMs, decoding)

Preferred Qualifications
* Background in machine learning or computational modeling (Bayesian methods, neural networks, etc.)
* Experience with marker-less video tracking and computer vision
* Experience with CAD design and 3D printing
* Familiarity with relational databases (e.g., SQL)
* Demonstrated success in collaborative research environments

About the Department

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008 - $71,532 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position requires that you attach: CV (including publications) and a Cover Letter indicating:

* Your preferred starting date
* Your scientific interests and ambitions for the future
* Dates (and time) at which you would be available for a 30 minute zoom interview.
* Who may be able to provide a reference letter (letter not required at this stage).

Please contact Dr. Jean-Paul Noel [e-mail] with any questions

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).