Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate Position in Computational Neuroscience at Drexel University College of Medicine 

Two Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Associate positions are available in the Computational Neuroscience Center (https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research/computational-neuroscience-center/) and the lab for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/research/laboratory-for-theoretical-and-computational-neuroscience/) at the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University (https://drexel.edu/medicine/about/departments/neurobiology-anatomy/) 

The qualified postdoc/research associate will join a team of computational neuroscientists focusing on studying and modeling different aspects of neural control of locomotion, including the organization and operation of spinal and supraspinal/brainstem neural circuits and their interactions with animal biomechanics during locomotion and steering. The modeling studies are performed in close, interactive collaboration with several leading laboratories in the USA, Canada, and France focusing on complementary experimental studies. The projects are supported by several grants from NIH and NSF. 

The studies involve the development of realistic computer models of neural circuits in the mammalian spinal cord and brainstem involved in control of locomotion and steering. The models will be integrated with biomechanical models of animals (mouse, rat, cat) and used (tested) for the control of quadrupedal robots imitating animal locomotion in open space. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with other computational and experimental neuroscientists: they will use experimental data to implement and refine the model and use the model to derive predictions that will then be tested experimentally by our collaborators.  

Essential Functions: 

• Work with existing and develop new computational models of spinal locomotor circuits 
• Integrate the neural and biomechanical models to simulate locomotor behavior 
• Use numerical optimization to optimize the integrated neuromechanical models 
• Use the models to derive experimentally testable predictions  
• Closely collaborate with experimental neuroscientists  
• Analyze kinematic and electrophysiological data 
• Write and submit research manuscripts 
• Present novel findings at national and international conferences 

Required Qualification include:  

• PhD in computer science, computational neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related field 
• Excellent programming skills (e.g., Python, C++) 
• Good written and verbal skills in English 

Previous experience in either (a) modeling of biological neurons and neural networks (spiking and/or rate based), and/or (b) modeling of biomechanics, and/or (c) machine learning is desirable. 

The qualified candidate will benefit from joining a well-funded research group that works in a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment within the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.  

The Department provides an outstanding scientific environment for multidisciplinary training. Interactions and collaborations between labs and centers and between other departments are encouraged. 

Each position will be initially for one year with possible extension to 3-4 years.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.  

To apply, please email a current CV and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Ilya Rybak (rybak@drexel.edu) The positions will remain posted until filled.