Postdoctoral position in Compartmental Neuron Modeling

A full-time limited-term 3-year position as postdoctoral researcher (code 1352) is available in the Computational Neuroscience group at the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) located 30 km south of Oslo.

The postdoc researcher will develop compartmental models for neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) based primarily on data recorded in the laboratory of Paul Heggelund at the University of Oslo. Reduced versions of these models will be used by the group in comprehensive network simulations of the early visual pathway.
The researcher will also work on developing methods for automated fitting procedures for model parameters. The modeling will be done in close collaboration with Michele Migliore at the NRC in Palermo, Italy, as well as with researchers at UMB and in Oslo. The work will be part of our project eNEURO-Multilevel Modeling and Simulations, which is funded by a substantial 6-year grant under the eScience program of the Research Council of Norway (RCN).
The computational neuroscience group at UMB presently consists of four permanent faculty members (Einevoll, Indahl, Plesser, Wyller), one researcher, three post-docs, four doctoral students and a scientific software developer, and will continue to grow. The eNEURO project involves close collaborations with experimental and computational neuroscientists at University of Oslo, University of California at San Diego, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, and other research institutions. We enjoy prioritized access to the Norwegian national scientific high-performance computing resources as part of the eNeuro grant (http://www.notur.no). For information on our group and the eNEURO project, see http://arken.umb.no/compneuro.
The successful applicant must have a PhD in computational science, preferably computational neuroscience. Experience in biophysically detailed neuronal modeling or computerized parameter optimization is considered advantageous. The simulation tool Neuron will be used in the project in combination with the programming language Python and experience in using these tools is an advantage. Because women are currently underrepresented in our group, we especially encourage women to apply.
The position is financed through the eNeuro grant of the Research Council of Norway limited to three years, preferably starting in early Summer and no later than 01 August 2009. The contract period can be extended in case of parental leave. Starting salary is at state salary level 57 (currently NOK 435700/EUR 49280/USD 63250) per year followed by annual increases. A higher starting salary is negotiable for applicants with significant relevant job experience.
Please submit your application, which should include (i) your CV, (ii) reprints of up to three scientific publications, and (iii) up to three letters of recommendation, electronically via http://www.jobbnorge.no, ID code 55139 (https://secure.jobbnorge.no/visstilling2.aspx?stillid=55139). Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent in three copies to Dept. of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway. Please mark your letter with position reference no 2009/157.
Deadline for applications: 31 March 2009
Please contact Professor Gaute T. Einevoll (+47-95124536, gaute(dot)einevoll(at)umb(dot)no) for more information.