Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational and Mathematical Neuroscience
Location: College of Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter (Streatham Campus)
Job reference: P62935
Application closing date: 29/07/2018
Interview date: 10/08/2018
Salary From £34,520 on Grade F, dependent on knowledge, skills and experience
This new full-time post is available from
1st October 2018 on a fixed term contract basis for
2 years.
The
College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, wishes to
recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in the project
Neural oscillator network modelling of auditory stream segregation. This
EPSRC funded post is available from 01/10/2018 for 2 years. The
successful candidate will join the Systems Biomedicine and Dynamical
Systems research groups housed in the recently launched GBP 50m Living
Systems Institute at the University of Exeter. These groups house over
50 researchers applying mathematical and computation approaches to study
problems in neuroscience, biology and healthcare. The project will
benefit from input from colleagues with expertise in neural networks,
bifurcation theory, coupled oscillators and numerical methods.
The Post:
The
project will involve developing mathematical and computational models
to deepen our understanding of auditory stream segregation. This is a
fundamental process in the auditory system that allows us to separate
out and focus on distinct sound streams (e.g. voices) in a dynamic noisy
environment. This process involves competition in order to resolve
different interpretations of a given environment (e.g. different
groupings of objects). Many aspects of this process are still not well
understood, such as where in the brain segregation of streams is
achieved, how the streams are encoded and the driving neural mechanisms.
This project will develop a biologically motivated model inspired by a
broad cross section of modelling and experimental literature (from
anatomical, neurophysiological, brain imaging and behavioural
experiments). The models developed will be based on networks of coupled
neural oscillators. Neural oscillations are understood to be vital for
the encoding of temporal information in auditory streaming. Dynamical
systems theory including bifurcation analysis and numerical methods will
provide the necessary tools to understand the dynamics of the models
developed.
About you:
- Candidates with quantitative
backgrounds (Mathematics, Physics, Engineering) and from Neuroscience
programmes with a strong computational component are encouraged to
apply.
- Applicants will possess a PhD or equivalent in one of these areas or a related field. T
- You will also be able to work collaboratively and supervise the work of others.
-
Programming experience in a high-level language (e.g. Matlab,
Python, C/C++) is a must and knowledge of dynamical systems theory is a
plus.
- Experience working on interdisciplinary projects
involving the application of mathematical and computational tools to
problems in Biology or Neuroscience will be viewed favourably.
The
University offers some fantastic benefits including 41 days leave per
year, options for flexible working, numerous discounts at leading
retailers, onsite gym, cycle to work scheme, sector leading policies
around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks
full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility
Treatment Policy; and a stunning campus environment in the heart of
Exeter. If you are not currently in Exeter please have a look at our
website for some further information on what a beautiful part of the
country we are based in.
For further information, please contact Dr James Rankin, email j.a.rankin@exeter.ac.uk
The
University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are
officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena
Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on
merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.