The Computational Neuroscience Unit (https://groups.oist.jp/cnu) of Prof. Erik De Schutter at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is starting a project on modeling behaviorally relevant dendritic activity in layer 5 cortical pyramidal neurons. This will be a collaboration with Prof. Wen-Biao Gan at the New York University School of Medicine (https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/wenbiao-gan), who will provide in vivo data to constrain the models. The goal is to build quantitative models that capture how synaptic input drives dendritic calcium spiking in the apical tuft, how this activity is transmitted down the apical dendrite and changes somatic output as demonstrated, for example, in Cichon and Gan, Nature 2015. Candidates should have a PhD in (computational) neuroscience with good knowledge of dendritic physiology and experience in using the NEURON software to simulate compartmental models of neurons. Previous experience in modeling pyramidal neurons is a plus but not required. OIST is a young, fast-growing research-oriented interdisciplinary graduate university, located on the subtropical paradise island of Okinawa (https://www.visitokinawa.jp/). Despite being a newcomer in the academic world, OIST was recently ranked as #10 in the world on the Normalized Nature Index (https://www.natureindex.com/annual-tables/2019/institution/academic-normaliz...). It offers attractive financial and working conditions in an English language graduate university. Starting date any time before begin 2020. Send curriculum vitae, summary of research interests and experience, and the names of three referees to Prof. Erik De Schutter at erik@oist.jp