postdoc in energetics of cognition (U Montréal)

The Noise lab (PI: Becket Ebitz) at the Université de Montréal is looking for postdoctoral research associates for a project focused on understanding the energetics of exploratory behavior in humans and rhesus macaques. The project is focused on identifying links between statistical measures of the dynamics of cognitive states and the metabolic demands of the brain and body. We know that a diversity of perspectives improves and invigorates our work and we encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and with all identities. *About the environment:* We are a systems/cognitive neuroscience lab working on decision-making and executive function. The lab is highly sociable, values kindness, cooperation, and a good work-life balance, and covers costs related to professional development, conference travel, computers and supplies, and eligible moving expenses. We prize collaboration and most projects in the lab are led by teams of students and postdocs who are excited about sharing their skills and expertise. More information about our research is available on our website (http://ebitzlab.com) and in our recent papers. The lab is located in the Department of Neurosciences at the Université de Montréal (UdeM) and part of a number of research centers, including the Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage (CIRCA; Center for interdisciplinary research on the brain and learning) and Unifying Neuroscience-AI Quebec (UNIQUE). UdeM is one of the top research institutions in Canada and is especially well known for its work in data science, machine learning and AI (i.e. the world-renowned Mila Research Institute and IVADO, a $210 million Canada-First Research Excellence Fund program). The ideal candidate will be excited about building connections and collaborations across campus. *Position details:* Research projects in the lab involve behavioral and physiological experiments in humans, large-scale electrophysiology studies in the rhesus macaque, and computational modeling. We are open to candidates who are excited to focus on any and all of these techniques. This specific project is funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Its goal is to understand how and why high-stress, energetically-demanding environments compromise cognitive flexibility. The project will build on computational and experimental techniques we developed in the lab to measure the neural computations involved in cognitive flexibility and characterize their energetic costs in the brain and body. The ideal candidate(s) will be excited to take the lead on their project(s), coordinating with technical staff, other students and postdocs, the PI, and other collaborators for support as needed. There are opportunities for international collaboration, including in analyzing human intracranial recording data, patient behavioral and/or imaging data, and rodent fiber photometry data. The postdoctoral researcher will also have opportunities to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and to participate in professional development activities related to their long-term career goals. *Basic Qualifications:* - PhD expected or obtained in Neuroscience, Psychology, or Physiology, or computationally-intensive field (i.e. Math, Physics, or Engineering). - A record of academic productivity including several conference presentations and at least one manuscript in press. *Preferred Qualifications:* - Extensive programming experience (ideally with Matlab and/or Python). - Previous experience in collecting and analyzing neurophysiology data. - If working with NHPs, previous experience with NHPs or other large mammals. - Familiarity with dynamical systems theory, control theory, and/or linear algebra. - Solid written and oral communication skills in English. *How to Apply:* Please send a pdf of your CV to becket@ebitzlab.com. In your email, please describe 1) why you are interested in the position, and 2) your previous research. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the positions are filled. The start date is negotiable.
participants (1)
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Becket Ebitz