Postdoc/Research Associate in computational neuroscience

[S. Becker]

POSTDOCTORAL/RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POSITION IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
AT MCMASTER UNIVERSITY

A position is available for a minimum of 3 years at the Postdoctoral or
Research Associate level, to develop computational models of cortical
learning, memory and reorganization after noise-induced hearing loss.  Data
from Jos Eggermont's lab indicates that hearing loss in the auditory periphery
(sensori-neural hearing loss) results in altered cortical firing rates,
tonotopic map reorganization, and abnormal synchronous activation, and may
give rise to tinnitus and other perceptual anomalies. Tinnitus, the false
perception of sound in the absence of an external sound source, affects about
30% of the population and 70-85% of the hearing-impaired. Remarkably, human
brain imaging studies by Roberts, Pantev and colleagues indicate a high degree
of plasticity of sensory representations in primary auditory cortex,
suggesting good prospects for rehabilitation. Thus, a major goal in this work
will be to develop and test novel rehabilitation strategies that tap into this
cortical plasticity, for the treatment of tinnitus and other auditory deficits
associated with sensori-neural hearing loss.  The position offers exciting
opportunities to collaborate with team members who are employing a wide range
of behavioural neuroscience techniques including computational modelling,
psychoacoustics, brain imaging (EEG, MEG), and electrophysiology. Experience
with neural network modelling is required, and knowledge of the auditory
system, psychoacoustics and signal processing are highly desirable.  The
position requires a PhD in Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Electrical
Engineering or a related discipline.  This research is part of a
multi-disciplinary project to study mechanisms and treatment of tinnitus,
funded by a $1.1M CIHR grant (NET Programme) to L. Roberts and S. Becker
(Psychology, McMaster University), I. Bruce (Electrical and Computer
Engnineering, McMaster University), J. Eggermont (Faculty of Medicine,
University of Calgary), C. Pantev (Rotman Research Institute, Toronto) and
L. Ward (Psychology, University of British Columbia). Interested candidates
should send a letter of intention and CV via email with subject line "tinnitus
postdoc position" to both Dr. S. Becker (becker at mcmaster.ca) and Dr. I. Bruce
(ibruce at ieee.org).

McMaster University, in Hamilton Ontario, is one of the leading post-secondary
institutions in Canada.  It was founded in 1887, and has over 13,000 students
and 1000 faculty.  Known for its strengths in research and innovation, McMaster
has numerous award-winning faculty including Bertram Brockhouse, Nobel
Laureate in Physics.  The pedestrian-only campus is located adjacent to the
scenic Royal Botanical Gardens and Coot's Paradise wilderness area at the
western end of Lake Ontario.

For further information on the research interests of the team see:
 www.science.mcmaster.ca/Psychology/sb.html
 www.ece.mcmaster.ca/~ibruce/
 www.psychology.mcmaster.ca/hnplab
 www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/faculties/medicine/PHBI/faculty/eggermont.html
 www.rotman-baycrest.on.ca/content/people/profiles/pantev.html
 http://neuron2.psych.ubc.ca/~lward/people/index.html