Postdoctoral fellow position (research associate) in the group of Mate Lengyel at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge.
Closing date: 7 December 2009


http://learning.eng.cam.ac.uk/Public/Lengyel/Vacancies
The group studies learning and memory from computational, algorithmic/representational and neurobiological viewpoints. Computationally and algorithmically, ideas are used from Bayesian approaches to statistical inference and reinforcement learning to characterize the goals and mechanisms of learning in terms of normative principles and behavioral results. Also, dynamical systems analyses of reduced biophysical models is performed to understand the mapping of these mechanisms into cellular and network models.
The post is funded by a Wellcome Trust project grant on “Spike timing-based memory in the hippocampus” involving collaboration with Peter Dayan (Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL), and the groups of Ole Paulsen (Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University) and Francesco Battaglia (SILS Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam) providing direct access to relevant in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological data.
The successful candidate will have a strong analytical background and demonstrable interest in theoretical neuroscience. They should have or be close to completion of a PhD or equivalent in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning or a related field. Previous experience in computational neuroscience is not required, but preference will be given to candidates with sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations (eg. in C or MatLab), or expertise with neural network models, analysis of dynamical systems, and Bayesian techniques.
The appointment will be for 1 year initially (extendable subject to funding) starting 1 April 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary is in the range £27,183-£35,469 p.a.
The cover sheet for applications, PD18 is available from www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/forms/pd18/. Parts I, II and III should be sent, preferably by e-mail, with a letter of application, a statement of research interests, and a CV (in pdf or plain text formats if possible) with the names and full contact details (including e-mail addresses) of three referees to Ms Diane Unwin (dsu21(at)cam(dot)ac(dot)uk), Department of Engineering, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, so as to reach her not later than 7 December 2009. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as soon as possible after the closing date.

Post to Twitter Post to Yahoo Buzz Post to Delicious Post to Digg Post to Facebook Post to Google Buzz Post to LinkedIn Post to Slashdot Post to StumbleUpon Post to Technorati