Flatiron Research Fellows (Post-Docs), Center for Computational Neuroscience, Flatiron Institute
New York, New York
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Simons Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 in New York City. With assets of approximately $2 billion and an annual grants and programs budget of $230 million, the foundation is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.
The Flatiron Institute is a major, new internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation, focused on the computational aspects of a wide range of basic science. The mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including theory, modeling, simulation and data analysis. The Flatiron Institute currently consists of five centers: the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA); the Center for Computational Biology (CCB); the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ); the Center for Computational Mathematics (CCM); and the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN). The Institute staff is composed of research scientists at various stages of their careers from recent Ph.D.s through senior scientists, software engineers and support staff. We host a vigorous visitor program and interact regularly with scientists from neighboring institutions.
POSITION SUMMARY
Applications are invited for Flatiron Research Fellowships (FRF) at the Center for Computational Neuroscience. The CCN FRF program offers the opportunity for postdoctoral research in areas that have strong synergy with one or more of the existing research groups at CCN or other centers at the Flatiron Institute. CCN FRF’s will be assigned a primary mentor from a CCN research group or project, though affiliations and collaborations with other research groups within CCN and throughout the Flatiron Institute are encouraged. In addition to carrying out an independent research program, Flatiron Research Fellows are expected to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations, publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. Flatiron Research Fellows may have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function — both in health and in disease. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. CCN currently has research groups in computational vision, neural circuits and algorithms, neuroAI and geometry, and statistical analysis of neural data; interested candidates should review the CCN public website for specific information on CCN’s research areas.
Review of applications for positions starting between July and October 2022 will begin in mid-January 2022.
Application Materials:
Cover letter (optional);
Curriculum Vitae with bibliography;
Research statement of no more than three pages describing past work and proposed research program. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the broad impact of the past and proposed research on computational neuroscience. Applicants should also indicate the primary CCN group(s) with which they’d seek to conduct research, and any desired affiliation with other Flatiron Centers.
Three (3) letters of recommendation submitted confidentially by direct email to ccnjobs@simonsfoundation.org
Selection Criteria: Applicants must have a PhD in a related field or expect to receive their PhD before the start of the appointment. Applications will be evaluated based on 1) past research accomplishments 2) proposed research program 3) synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCN staff and research programs.
Education:
PhD in computational neuroscience or a relevant technical field such as electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, physics, or applied math.
Related Skills:
Flexible multi-disciplinary mindset;
Strong interest and experience in the scientific study of the brain;
Demonstrated abilities in analysis, software and algorithm development, modeling and/or scientific simulation;
Ability to do original and outstanding research in neuroscience;
Ability to work well independently as well as in a collaborative team environment.
FRF positions are two-year appointments and are generally renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRF receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s powerful scientific computing resources. FRF may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCN.
THE SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.
Application portal: https://simonsfoundation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/simonsfoundationcareers/job/162-Fifth-Avenue/Flatiron-Research-Fellow--Center-for-Computational-Neuroscience_R0000686