Connectionists: Post-doc position available at the European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience EITN, Paris

[a.gruning at surrey.ac.uk]

% Post-doc position available at the European Institute for Theoretical Neuroscience EITN, Paris.
% Dr Andre Gruning, University of Surrey, Guildford, and EITN, Paris

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A 1-year postdoc position is available within the EITN Postdoc Program of the [Human Brain Project HBP][HBP]. The post-holder will join a group of about 8 postdoctoral researchers working at the [European Institute of Theoretical Neuroscience EITN][] located within walking distance from the Bastille on the border of the 11^th^ and 12^th^ arrondissements. All postdoctoral researchers at the EITN work on interdisciplinary topics shared between HBP's Subproject 4 on Theoretical Neuroscience and one of the other subprojects of the HBP. 

The current post is aimed at crystallising the interactions between [SP4 Theoretical Neuroscience][SP4] and [SP9 Neuromorphic Computing Platform][SP9] where SP4 aims, broadly 
speaking, at understanding and analysis of functional and computational properties of neural systems whereas SP9 aims to build the next generation of computing hard- and software as simulators and applications of network, neural and synaptic computational processes. 

In particular, the postdoc is expected to work on the following utilising the [Spinnaker][] neuromorphic computation platform developed within
the HBP at the cross-roads of computational/theoretical neuroscience and neuromorphic computation: 

1. _Three factor rules:_ Different forms of _third factors_ (such as neuromodulators or activity from neurons that are not post- or presynaptic to the synapse concerned) are required for advancved models of neural and synaptic plasticity. We want to implement, analyse and develop these models within large-scale simulations on the Spinnaker platform, and make the implemented models available to the scientific community. 

2. _Multi-compartment neurons:_ Multiple compartments are required to implement many plasticity schemes and also to implement different effects of eg proximal and distal synapses.  We want to implement, analyse and develop multi-compartment neuronal models within large-scale simulations on the Spinnaker platform, and make the implemented  models available to the scientific community. 

This post will be supervised scientifically by Dr Andre Gruning <a.gruning at surrey.ac.uk>, SP4, EITN and University of Surrey, UK, jointly with Prof Steve Furber, SP9 and University of Manchester. The postdoc will be managed locally at the EITN by its director, Prof Alain Destexhe <destexhe at unic.cnrs-gif.fr>. 

The postdoc is encouraged and expected to take part in the wider EITN and HBP scientific activities. Close supervision is provided by regular visits
of Dr Gruning to the EITN, and the postdoc's regular visits to both Manchester and Surrey in the UK.

The successful candidate must hold a PhD in a relevant scientific area (including for example Mathematics, Physics, Neuroscience,
Computer Science etc). The candidate must have programming experience in C or C++ and in Python (for use on the Spinnaker Platform). Software design experience
is a plus, especially in embedded systems, as well as experience with tools such as `git` and `doxygen` and Linux. The candidate must have a keen
interest in neuroscience. Prior experience in neuroscientific modelling is preferred. The candidate shall have a good working knowledge of mathematics such as differential equations and dynamical systems. 

Qualified individuals interested in the position should contact in the first instance Dr Andre Gruning <a.gruning at surrey.ac.uk>
(scientific questions) and/or Mrs Katherine Fregnac <kfregnac at unic.nrs-gif.fr> (administrative and contractual details). Payment will be commensurate with experience and subject to relevant regulations for the French civil service. This post is fixed-term in the first instance from 01/04/2017 (or earlier) until 31/03/2018. A one-year or two-year extension is possible, depending on mutual interest and funding availability.

We will review all applications (motivation letter, CV, list of publications, contact details of 2 referees, all in a single PDF) received by email to <a.gruning at surrey.ac.uk> until Fri 24/02/2017; and subsequently until the post has been filled.

[EITN]: https://www.eitn.org/
[HBP]: https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/
[SP4]: https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en_GB/sp4
[SP9]: https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en_GB/sp9
[Spinnaker]: https://electronicvisions.github.io/hbp-sp9-guidebook/mc/mc_index.html


--
Dr Andre Gruning
Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor)
Department of Computer Science
University of Surrey,
Guildford GU2 7XH
United Kingdom