Postdoc in Spike-Coding

[goodman@unr.edu]

********* POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN SPIKE-CODING NEOCORTICAL MODELS *********
  
        Philip H. Goodman                        Henry Markram
         Sushil J. Louis                 Weizmann Institute for Science
     University of Nevada, Reno                 Rehovot, Israel

   Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellowship in the 
field of large-scale biologically realistic models of cortical microcircuit
dynamics.

Location:   Reno/Lake Tahoe with periodic work at the Weizmann Institute
Funding:    Negotiable, depending upon experience 
Dates:      Available now; duration 2-3 years 
Deadline:   Open until filled  

Qualifications (*all of the following*):   

   1. Ph.D. in computational modeling, neuroscience, or cognitive science
   2. Strong mathematical background
   3. Substantial modeling experience using GENESIS, NEURON, or SURF-HIPPO
   4. Demonstrable programming ability in C++
   5. Familiarity with basic statistical analyses
   6. Famliiarity wth machine learning & artificial neural networks concepts 
   7. Willingness to commit at least two full years to the program

Description: 

   The purpose of this program is to address a major gap in our conceptual 
understanding of synaptic and brain-like network dynamics, and to benefit 
from untapped technological applications of related pulse-coding information 
networks. The core activity involves the design and implementation of 
increasingly complex and powerful brain-like simulations on parallel-
distributed "Beowulf" computer systems, incorporating newly discovered 
excitatory and inhibitory parameters obtained from living tissue. 

   We will use this technology to address the following questions: 

   > What minimal microcircuit must be replicated to create a functional 
     cortical column? 

   > How many such columns must interact to demonstrate emergent behavior
     -- can we crack the "neural code"? 

   > Can one "lesion" such models to evaluate putative therapies for brain 
     disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and epilepsy? 

   We will also compare generalization abilities of "brain-wise" computation 
to existing artificial neural network and traditional non-neural classifiers.

   The fellow will work closely with faculty, a full-time PhD-candidate in
computer engineering, and other students. Reno is located at an elevation of
4,000 feet at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with outstanding
year-round weather. Reno is only 45 minutes away from powder-skiing, boating,
and hiking near Lake Tahoe, and 3 hours from San Francisco by car. Cost of
living is estimated at only 65% that of the San Francisco region, and Nevada
has no state income tax.

Inquiries:  

   Fully qualified individuals should send all of the following in 
order to initiate consideration: (1) a short letter stating interest and 
summarizing qualifications, (2) a CV, and (3) names, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references to: Philip H. Goodman, MD, MS, Washoe Medical 
Center, 77 Pringle Way, Reno, NV 89502. Email inquiries to goodman at unr.edu
are encouraged; please use one of the following formats: plain text, 
unencoded postscript, MS Word, Adobe Acrobat. 
*****************************************************************************