Connectionists: Postdoctoral vacancies in London

[Harris, Kenneth D]

Dear Connectionists,
We are seeking applicants for 3 postdoctoral jobs at the interface of computational and experimental neuroscience, working with Profs. Kenneth Harris and Matteo Carandini.
Position 1: Large-scale analysis of neocortical activity.
Modern techniques allow for simultaneous recording of hundreds of neurons, providing an unprecedented opportunity to study how neuronal populations process information. However, turning this data into concrete conclusions about brain function requires advanced analyses to harness the very large data sets now available. We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to study population coding and circuit function in mouse visual cortex, by working with data from massively parallel recordings from behaving animals. This position would suit an individual with a background in mathematics, physics or a related field, and strong interest and knowledge of neurobiology.
Position 2: Large-scale simulation of cortical circuits.
Recent years have seen the development of specialized hardware for simulating neural circuits, making it at last possible to model how cellular and synaptic properties determine cortical activity in circuits of realistic size. We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to build large-scale models of recurrent spiking cortical networks using the spiNNaker system, in collaboration with Prof. Steve Furber of Manchester University. The models will be constrained by their ability to both reproduce patterns of population activity measured in vivo, and to perform real-world visual classification tasks. This project involves the use of with specialized hardware, and would suit a candidate with strong programming ability as well as neuroscience knowledge.
Position 3: Experimental study of cortical population activity.
Developments in electrophysiology, microscopy, and genetics now make it possible to measure the activity of large populations of cells in behaving animals, while identifying and controlling specific cell classes in real time with light. Combining these experimental technologies with large-scale informatics and computational analysis provides a tremendous tool to understand the function of cortical circuits. We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to apply these tools to study network activity during a visual discrimination task in behaving mice. This project involves integrating multiple techniques currently in use in our lab, and would suit a candidate with a background in experimental neurobiology, engineering or experimental physics.
About the lab
The most exciting developments in science come from close interactions between scientists of different backgrounds and skill sets. We run a tightly integrated group that allows not only collaborative research but also the opportunity for computational scientists to train in experimental techniques and vice versa. Our location in London provides access to a strong research base of neuroscience, computation, engineering, and physics at Imperial and University Colleges, as well as a stimulating cultural environment.
For more information
Go to http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment, and click "Job Search for applicants not currently employed by Imperial College." On the next screen, enter keyword EN20120101FH, EN20120102FH, or EN20120103FH for the 3 positions.
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Prof. Kenneth D. Harris
Departments of Bioengineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Imperial College
London SW7 2AZ
Phone: +44 (0)20 7594 6370

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