Connectionists: Postdoc position in neurophysics

[Stephen Eglen]

https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00449


UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
SANTA CRUZ INSTITUTE FOR PARTICLE PHYSICS (SCIPP)
Postdoctoral Scientist in Neurophysics

The Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar at the interface between physics and neurobiology, under the direction of physicist Alan Litke (SCIPP) and neurobiologist David Feldheim (Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology).

Our lab works at the physics/neurobiology interface, with strong collaborative efforts of physicists and neurobiologists. In this environment, we have developed advanced experimental, computational, and genetic methods to probe a remarkable brain structure, the superior colliculus (SC) of the mouse. The SC receives and integrates sensory information related to vision, hearing and touch and, based on this information, initiates behaviors such as eye and head orientation, freezing or flight.

Intrigued by the striking topological mapping and relatively unknown functional organization of the mouse SC, we are investigating this structure at a genetic, topological, functional, and behavioral level. We record the brain activity of a wildtype or transgenic mouse as the mouse watches a movie, and then apply computational methods to understand and model the processing of the visual input by the mouse’s neural system. We seek a candidate with a keen interest in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the brain to join us in these studies. We expect the successful applicant to be an active participant in our in vivo neurobiology experiments.

RANK: Postdoctoral Scholar - Employee

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, with annual range between $50,000 and $54,000.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or equivalent foreign degree in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience, Neurobiology or another related discipline.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The preferred candidate will have strong computational, software and data analysis skills; experience in instrumentation development; and previous experience with neurobiology experiments.

POSITION AVAILABLE: July 1, 2017. Ph.D. in hand at time of appointment.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Initial appointment is for one year, with possible extension for a total of five years: with annual reappointment contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. For appointments within the University of California, a total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including Postdoctoral service at other institutions. Under certain circumstances, a sixth year may be considered.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, a list of publications, and three confidential letters of recommendation.* Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. For questions, please contact Alan Litke at alan.litke at cern.ch.

APPLY AT https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00449
Refer to Position #JPF00449 in all correspondence.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on May 25, 2017. To ensure full consideration, applications should be completed and letters of reference received by this date. The position will remain open until filled, but no later than 6/30/2018.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686. 
Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686. Under Federal law, the

University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available here or from the Academic Personnel Office (APO) at (831) 459-4300.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Academic Personnel Office at apo at ucsc.edu (831) 459-4300.

VISIT THE APO WEB SITE AT: http://apo.ucsc.edu

4/21/17

JOB LOCATION

Santa Cruz, CA
LEARN MORE

More information about this recruitment: http://apo.ucsc.edu/academic_employment/jobs/JPF00449-17T.pdf