The Nicola Computational Neuroscience lab at the University of Calgary in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute is looking for three talented researchers at the PhD/Masters level. 

 

PhD/MSc Position 1:  Analysis and Modelling of Trained Recurrent and Spiking Neural Networks

The Nicola Lab is looking for a talented Master's or PhD candidate with a strong background in pure or applied mathematics, or physics.  The project will involve analyzing the structure and operation of trained spiking and recurrent neural networks to determine how these trained networks perform dynamics, solve tasks, and emulate behaviours.  The ideal candidate will have a background in dynamical systems theory, functional analysis, and some statistical analysis, and have a BSc in pure or applied mathematics.   Some knowledge of numerical methods and neuroscience is beneficial, but not required.

 

PhD/MSc Position 2:  Modelling Spatiotemporal dynamics in whole-brain imaging

We are looking for a talented Master's or PhD candidate with a background in computational neuroscience, mathematics, or physics.  The project will involve analyzing the emergent spatiotemporal dynamics of whole-brain Calcium imaging data obtained in the McGirr Lab for mice undergoing experimentally induced stress paradigms.  The ideal candidate will have a background in dynamical systems theory, statistical analysis, and a particular focus on spatial models (Partial Differential Equations), or Markov Processes.  The ideal candidate will have a background in scientific programming and numerical methods for the simulation and analysis of these models. 

 

PhD/MSc Position 3:  Investigating Synchrony in Spiking Neural Networks

The Nicola Lab is looking for a talented Master's or PhD candidate with a strong background in Applied or Pure mathematics with an emphasis on dynamical systems theory.  The project will involve analyzing the synchronizability of non-smooth, integrate-and-fire type spiking neural networks under a variety of conditions.  The ideal candidate will have a background in dynamical systems theory, functional analysis, and some statistical analysis, and have a BSc in pure or applied mathematics.    The ideal candidate will have a background in scientific programming and numerical methods for conducting simulations. 

 

Interested candidates should clarify which position they are applying for in an email to wilten.nicola@ucalgary.ca and attach to this email their CV, undergraduate/master's degree transcripts, a letter of research interests, and the contact information for 2 referees.   The start-dates are flexible. 

 

The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.