POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN THEORETICAL NEUROSCIENCE 

AND CORTICAL MODELING

Numenta, Inc.

About Numenta

Numenta  was founded in 2005 to be a catalyst in the emerging field of machine intelligence. Its biologically inspired technology is based on a detailed and evolving theory of the neocortex first described in co-founder Jeff Hawkins’ book, On Intelligence. The current technology can be applied to anomaly detection in servers and applications, human behavior, and geo-spatial tracking data.  Numenta is focused on understanding the computational principles behind the cortex in detail, and implementing practical systems that operate on those principles.   For more details, please see www.numenta.com 

Job description

Numenta has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher.  This individual will be a key member of our research group. He or she will work on significant extensions of Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) theory and its implementations.  Our current research efforts involve understanding cortical sensorimotor inference and control, and the role of thalamocortical pathways.   Our models aim to build stable invariant representations of complex environments through active exploration, and are independent of sensory modality.  Our problem domains span the range from artificial constrained worlds all the way to commercially driven applications. 

We seek researchers who passionately desire to build intelligent machines and impact the next generation of computing.  The position carries full benefits and is for a one year term. An extension or a conversion to permanent employment is possible.  We are located in Silicon Valley (Redwood City, CA).

Responsibilities

• Implement extensions to HTM theory
• Test algorithms on a variety of problems and datasets
• Characterize algorithm performance and suggest improvements
• Write and publish papers in leading conferences and journals
• Attend conferences and stay up to date with the latest relevant research
• Be an active member of the NuPIC community (NuPIC is Numenta's open source HTM software)
• Provide technical leadership to the rest of the organization

Desired qualifications

• Strong background in theoretical or computational neuroscience
• Strong background in machine learning or machine intelligence
• Established track record of leading edge research in computational neuroscience
• Established track record of publications in leading peer reviewed conferences and journals
• Excellent programming skills (Python or C++ preferred)
• Hands on experience implementing large-scale learning algorithms or computational models
• Preference given to candidates who have a deep understanding of HTM algorithms, cortical principles, and/or a working knowledge of NuPIC
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Applicants should have, or expect to receive soon, a PhD (or have equivalent research experience) in computational neuroscience, machine learning, cognitive modeling, or a related discipline

How to apply

Qualified applicants should send the following to postdoc@numenta.com:

• Cover letter describing their specific interest in Numenta.  Please include any relevant experience with HTM algorithms or NuPIC.
  
• Resume or CV, including list of relevant courses and published papers.

Numenta is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Numenta is unable to consider postdoc applications from international researchers unless they are US Citizens, hold a Green Card, or are currently enrolled in a US University and eligible for OPT.