Connectionists: Postdoctoral Fellow Positions at CCN, Flatiron Institute

[Matthew Turner]

*Flatiron Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Fellow), NeuroAI and Geometric Data
Analysis*

*Description*

Applications are invited for Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRF) in the
NeuroAI and Geometric Data Analysis Group (SueYeon Chung, PI) at the Center
for Computational Neuroscience at the Flatiron Institute of the Simons
Foundation, whose focus is on understanding computation in the brain and
artificial neural networks by: (1) analyzing geometries underlying neural
or feature representations, embedding and transferring information, and (2)
developing neural network models and learning rules guided by neuroscience.
To do this, the group utilizes analytical methods from statistical physics,
machine learning theory, and high-dimensional statistics and geometry.The
CCN FRF program offers the opportunity for postdoctoral research in areas
that have strong synergy with one or more of the existing research groups
at CCN or other centers at the Flatiron Institute. In addition to carrying
out an independent research program, Flatiron Research Fellows are expected
to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations,
publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the
CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the
CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group
meetings. Flatiron Research Fellows may have the opportunity to organize
workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational
methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function — both in health and in
disease. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that
are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties
of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into
perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not
only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but
also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can
spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in
the realm of machine learning.  CCN’s current research groups include
computational
vision
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neuroscience/computational-vision/>
(Eero Simoncelli
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/eero-p-simoncelli/>, PI), neural
circuits and algorithms
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neuroscience/neural-circuits-and-algorithms/>
(Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/dmitri-mitya-chklovskii/>,
PI), neuroAI
and geometric data analysis
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neuroscience/neuroai-and-geometry/>
(SueYeon Chung <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/sueyeon-chung/>,
PI), and statistical analysis of neural data
<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-neuroscience/statistical-analysis-of-neural-data/>
(Alex Williams <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/people/alex-williams/>,
PI), and is planning to expand the number of research groups in the near
term. Interested candidates should review the CCN public website for
specific information on CCN’s research areas.  Applicants who are
interested in a joint appointment between two CCN research groups should
submit the same application to both groups, noting the dual application in
their research statement.  Please note that Alex William’s statistical
analysis of neural data group is not recruiting at CCN in 2023.

FRF positions are two-year appointments and are generally renewed for a
third year, contingent on performance. FRF receive a research budget and
have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing
resources. FRF may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking
distance of the CCN.

Review of applications for positions starting between July and October 2024
will begin in November 2023.

For more information about life at the Flatiron Institute, visit
https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/careers.

Qualifications

*MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*

Education

PhD in computational neuroscience or a relevant technical field such as
electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, physics, or applied
math.

 Related Skills & Other Requirements

   - Flexible multi-disciplinary mindset;
   - Strong interest and experience in the scientific study of the brain;
   - Demonstrated abilities in analysis, software and algorithm
   development, modeling and/or scientific simulation;
   - Ability to do original and outstanding research in neuroscience;
   - Ability to work well independently as well as in a collaborative team
   environment.

Selection Criteria: Applicants must have a PhD in a related field or expect
to receive their PhD before the start of the appointment. Applications will
be evaluated based on 1) past research accomplishments 2) proposed research
program 3) synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic
with existing CCN staff and research programs.

*COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS*

The full-time annual compensation for this position is $90,000.

In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides
employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Application Instructions

   - Required Application Materials
   - Cover letter (optional);
   - Curriculum Vitae with bibliography;
   - Research statement of no more than three pages describing past work
   and proposed research program.  Applicants are encouraged to discuss the
   broad impact of the past and proposed research on computational
   neuroscience. Applicants who are interested in a joint appointment between
   two CCN research groups should submit the same application to both groups,
   noting the dual application in their research statement.
   - Three (3) letters of recommendation


*For more information and to apply, please
visit: https://apply.interfolio.com/134616
<https://apply.interfolio.com/134616>*

Cordially,

MATTHEW B. TURNER  any pronouns

Senior Manager for Center Administration | Center for Computational
Neuroscience

Co-Chair, Flatiron Institute Professional Development Committee

Co-Chair, Pride at SF Employee Resource Group

Flatiron Institute

917.363.1095 mobile

mturner at flatironinstitute.org

162 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010

simonsfoundation.org/flatiron <https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/>
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