Two Positions Available: Data Bases, Visualization, and Simulation for Brain Research

[Michael A. Arbib]

Professors Michael Arbib (Director), Michel Baudry, 
Theodore Berger, Peter Danzig, Shahram Ghandeharizadeh, 
Scott Grafton, Dennis McLeod, Thomas McNeill, Larry Swanson, 
and Richard Thompson have secured a Program Project grant from 
the Human Brain Project (a consortium of federal agencies led by 
the National Institute of Mental Health) for a 5 year project, 
"Neural Plasticity: Data and Computational Structures", to be 
conducted at the University of Southern California.

The Project will combine research on databases with the 
development of tools for database construction and data recovery 
from multiple databases, simulation tools, and visualization tools 
for both rat neuroanatomy and human brain imaging.  These tools 
will be used to construct databases for research at USC and 
elsewhere on mechanisms of neural plasticity in basal ganglia, 
cerebellum, and hippocampus.  The grant will also support a core 
of neuroscience research (both experimental and computational) 
linked to several ongoing research programs to explore how 
experiments can be enhanced when coupled to databases enriched 
with powerful tools for modeling and visualization.  The project is 
a major expression of USC's approach to the study of the brain 
which locates neuroscience in the context of a broad 
interdisciplinary program in Neural, Informational, and 
Behavioral Sciences (NIBS).

The grant provides funding for two computer professionals to 
help us develop a system integrating databases, discovery tools, 
visualization and simulation for neuroscience.  

The DATA DEVELOPER is to function as a "knowledge 
engineer" helping neuroscientists explicate data and system needs.  
Experience is required with WWW's httpd and Mosaic, UNIX, 
and Macintosh software. A background in neuroscience, while 
welcome, is not required.  We do require proven communication 
skills and ability to analyze scientific data, with at least three 
years professional experience.  

The SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER must have at least three years 
experience programming and developing object-oriented 
databases, including UNIX, C++, and DBMS experience.  
Experience with graphics, simulation tools and Internet protocols 
would be welcome.  We require demonstrated ability to package 
software for public distribution, using multiple platforms.  

Send CV, references, and letter addressing the above 
qualifications to Paulina Tagle, Center for Neural Engineering, 
USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520;  Fax (213) 740-5687 
paulina at pollux.usc.edu. USC is an equal opportunity employer.