Connectionists: Scientist I position at Allen Institute – Modeling Structure-Function Relation in a Reconstructed Cortical Tissue

[Stefan Mihalas]

Scientist I – Modeling Structure-Function Relation in a Reconstructed Cortical Tissue

Our mission at the Allen Institute is to advance our understanding of how the brain works in health and disease. Using a team science approach, we strive to discover how the brain implements fundamental computations through the integration of technological innovation, cutting-edge experiments, modeling, and theory.

Understanding how the structure of biological neuronal networks leads to its observed activity, and how it relates to the implemented computations is one of the primary challenges in computational neuroscience. We have large datasets of in-vitro measured cell type properties (https://celltypes.brain-map.org/), statistical knowledge of their connections (https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/connectivity/synaptic-physiology) and large-scale recordings of their in-vivo activity (https://observatory.brain-map.org/visualcoding). These are complemented by a fantastic dataset of coupled structure-activity measurement at cell type level in one tissue (https://microns-explorer.org<https://microns-explorer.org/>).

We are seeking a scientist to join the Modeling and Theory team of Stefan Mihalas help construct data driven models of the activity and computations in the mouse cortex. Our team focuses at extracting principles from large data, integrating them in simplified models and using the models to test theories of computation.

Even with all this data available, directly trying to simulate activity from structure is an under constrained problem. The scientist will work to compare existing algorithms to efficiently explore the space of models linking structure to activity and potentially develop new algorithms, if needed. The scientist will explore how additional constrains, including constraints imposed by computations, can be used to further narrow down the parameter space. To be able to explore the space of models efficiently, we intend to use on spiking neuron models, with a focus on generalized leaky integrate and fire models. The scientist will work as part of a team to use these methods to construct a set of models visually driven in vivo neuronal activity, and subsequently explore the computational properties of these models.

Essential Functions

  *   Implement and compare algorithms for automatic parameter optimization in spiking neural network models
  *   Help design and construct data driven models for visually driven in vivo neuronal activity
  *   Help explore the computational properties of the models
  *   Contribute scientific ideas based on the modeling results
  *   Develop and maintain computational and associated software tools
  *   Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences
  *   Maintain clear and accurate communication with supervisor and other team members

Required Education and Experience

  *   PhD in computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, computer science or a related field
  *   0-2 years of post-doctoral experience.
  *   Strong computational/data analysis skills and good programming ability in Python
  *   Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Education and Experience

  *   Strong knowledge of systems neuroscience
  *   Experience using PyTorch or TensorFlow
  *   Experience simulating spiking neuronal networks using NEST
  *   Ability to work as part of a collaborative team
  *   Track record of scientific excellence and independent thinking

Physical Demands

  *   Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment; lab equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  *   This role is currently able to work remotely due to COVID-19 and our focus on employee safety; this may change, and you may be required to work onsite at our South Lake Union office as safety restrictions are lifted in relation to COVID-19.

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Apply at: https://alleninstitute.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1416302&cust_sort1=29268%2Femployment%2Fjob-openings.php%3Fsearch%3Dtrue&nohd&csrc=37190<https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Falleninstitute.hrmdirect.com%2Femployment%2Fjob-opening.php%3Freq%3D1416302%26cust_sort1%3D29268%252Femployment%252Fjob-openings.php%253Fsearch%253Dtrue%26nohd%26csrc%3D37190&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4850a6b2ede642948bae08d876e83493%7C32669cd6737f4b398bddd6951120d3fc%7C0%7C0%7C637390086979195619%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=0D0cPvJdTaYWiGtUefbC%2FbvH7iv4MCMoRx%2BmUWAHogA%3D&reserved=0>



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