Connectionists: Two postdoctoral positions in cognitive neuroscience (neuroimaging and/or modeling)

[Michael W. Cole]

Two post-doctoral positions available:

Human neuroimaging and/or computational modeling focusing on brain
connectivity dynamics and cognitive control (human intelligence)

We seek two post-doctoral fellows to work on studies using functional MRI
(fMRI) and/or computational modeling of brain connectivity dynamics
investigating cognitive control. We are especially interested in
investigating neural mechanisms of highly adaptive cognition – such as the
human ability to rapidly learn new tasks from instructions. Human
neuroimaging studies will focus on identifying local (within-region) and
global (multi-network) connectivity mechanisms facilitating first-trial
task learning and other forms of highly flexible cognition (e.g., involving
lateral prefrontal cortex). This will primarily involve functional
connectivity analyses using fMRI (during rest and task). Computational
modeling will involve biologically realistic neuronal network models
implementing first-trial learning and other forms of highly flexible
cognition in order to test the plausibility of proposed mechanisms – and
expanding computers into a computational realm currently only occupied by
humans (i.e., creating artificial intelligence by investigating natural
intelligence). Further, computational modeling will involve application of
statistical techniques to find ways to detect newly identified mechanisms
using neuroimaging, in order to test predictions made by the models. The
positions will be at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ (13 miles from New
York City, NY) and located in a newly renovated laboratory space in the
Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience (CMBN), in the same
building as the new Rutgers University Brain Imaging Center.

Preferred attributes of candidates:

1) Strong computer programming skills; 2) Strong statistical analysis
skills; 3) Excellent writing (and general communication) skills; 4) A
consistent passion for learning and making discoveries in neuroscience (or
related fields); 5) Expertise (a PhD) in behavioral, neuroimaging, and/or
computational modeling research.

For more information on the lab's research visit http://www.mwcole.net

Start date is flexible, but is anticipated to be between January and
September 2014.
The deadline for applying is December 1, 2013.

If interested send your CV and a cover letter with an overview of your
background and career goals, along with names and emails of potential
recommenders to mwcole at mwcole.net

(Also note if you will be at the Society for Neuroscience meeting in
November for a possible interview.)


http://www.mwcole.net/openpositions/postdoc2014.html
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.srv.cs.cmu.edu/pipermail/connectionists/attachments/20131017/5667b1e2/attachment.html>