Connectionists: Postdoc opening: modelling development of retinotopic maps

[Stephen Eglen]

A postdoctoral position is being offered under a joint
computational/experimental Wellcome Trust Programme Grant awarded to
Dr Stephen Eglen (Cambridge) in collaboration with Professor David
Willshaw (Edinburgh) and Professors Ian Thompson and Uwe Drescher
(Kings College London).  The aim of the grant is to evaluate the
relative contributions of electrical activity as against molecular
guidance cues in the development of ordered nerve connections in the
vertebrate visual system.

The Research Associate will be based at Cambridge and will develop
computational models for the formation of retinotectal connections,
focusing initially on the roles of spontaneous neural activity.  These
models will help generate hypotheses that can be tested by the
experimental partners.  The candidate will also be expected to
quantify and analyse relevant experimental data.  The job will involve
travel to project partners and attendance at workshops and
conferences.

The ideal candidate will have a first degree in the mathematical or
physical sciences, and a PhD in Computational Neuroscience or a
closely related discipline.  He/She will have an interest in
developmental neuroscience and experience in interacting with
colleagues across disciplines.  Experience in developing computational
models in C/Matlab/R is highly advantageous.  Good communication
skills are also essential, both for working with the project team and
publication of results.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Stephen Eglen
(S.J.Eglen at damtp.cam.ac.uk).

The start date for this position is expected to be Summer 2008.  The
post will be for three years in the first instance with a possibility
for renewal for up to two more years.

Applications should include a CV, a statement of research and a
completed form PD18 Parts I and III (downloadable from
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/forms/pd18/), and should
be sent to Dr Stephen Eglen, DAMTP-CMS, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge
CB3 0WA or emailed to: S.J.Eglen at damtp.cam.ac.uk.
Closing date: 22 May 2008.

Vacancy Reference No: LE03346  Salary: 25,134-32,796 pounds.
Limit of tenure applies (the funds for this post are available three
years in the first instance).

http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/jobs/vacancies.cgi?job=3346

-- 
Stephen Eglen, DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences
Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, U.K.
Tel +44 (0)1223 765 761               S.J.Eglen at damtp.cam.ac.uk
Fax +44 (0)1223 760 419   http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/eglen