Connectionists: Seeking part-time computer programmer with Matlab and neural-network simulation experience at Rutgers University-Newark for sleep and learning research

[Mark Gluck]

We are seeking a part-time (up to 19 hours/week) computer programmer with Matlab and neural-network simulation experience to work at Rutgers University-Newark’s Center for Neuroscience in Newark, NJ (just outside New York City).

The goal of this project is to develop a neural network that simulates brain activity, specifically in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, during both sleep and wake periods, and test its capabilities to learn from simulated real-life tasks. This project is part of an international collaborative study—including both behavioral studies of sleep, EEG, functional brain imaging, and computer modeling — aimed at understanding how sleep facilitates memory, learning and insight, and how this facilitation can be manipulated using external electrical stimulation of the brain during sleep.

We seek a skilled and motivated computer programmer interested in neuroscience who will join our team and be responsible for programming and running neural network simulations in Matlab environment. The chosen candidate will join a team lead by Dr. Mark Gluck, the Lab Director, and Dr. Itamar Lerner, the main computational researcher and supervisor of the project. More information on our lab at http://www.gluck.edu/ <http://www.gluck.edu/>
The candidate will be expected to interact with the team on a regular basis, be able to show independent work on weekly computational goals. Excellent oral and written English-language communication skills are essential. It is also expected that the candidate will show an understanding of the research issues, and suggest network-based computational solutions to challenges encountered during this project. In addition to the main responsibilities of this project, the chosen candidate may be asked to assist in other areas of the lab where programming skills are required.

Essential Applicant Skills

       High-level programming skills in Matlab (knowledge of the neutral network programming toolbox is a plus, although most network simulations in this project will be programmed from scratch without using the toolbox).
      Expertise in neural network programming, especially networks involving moderate-level abstraction of neuronal activity, such as integrate-and-fire neurons; and brain-inspired learning mechanisms, such as multilayer perceptrons, back propagation, Hebbian learning, Spike-Timing-Dependent-Plasticity (STDP).
      High-level programming skills in at least one other computer language (e.g., C++, Java, Python)
Other Criteria for Applicants: Applicants must be currently based in the US and able and willing to travel to Newark (at their own expense) to interview in person for this position. Foreign applicants are welcome but must have current work permits.
To Apply: Please begin by reviewing our web site noted above, especially prior computational modeling papers by Gluck and colleagues, at the publication link from our home web page. Email both gluck at pavlov.rutgers.edu <mailto:gluck at pavlov.rutgers.edu> and itamar.lerner at gmail.com <mailto:itamar.lerner at gmail.com> with a cover letter explaining why this position is relevant to your background and training as well as your future career goals, and additional information on the key skills noted above, your current contact information and position, along with the names, titles, relationship to you, and emails of three potential people who would be willing to write you letters of recommendation (we will contact them as needed). Given that this position is part-time (no more than 19/hours a week), please also indicate what your plans are or would be for the rest of your time if you took this position.  Please also attach a single PDF of a resume listing all relevant past employment and educational training.

				- Mark Gluck & Itamar Lerner

___________________________________
Dr. Mark A. Gluck,  Professor  
Center for Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience
Rutgers University — Newark                               
197 University Ave.                                   
Newark, New Jersey  07102                  
 	 Web:  http://www.gluck.edu
	 Email:  gluck at pavlov.rutgers.edu
    	 Ph:  ( 973) 353-3298

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