Summer Pre-Doctoral Researchers, Center for Computational Neuroscience



160 Fifth Avenue
Full time
R0001204


The Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) aims 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 is one of five centers that make up the Flatiron Institute, an internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation, focused on 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.

CCN's research groups include computational vision ( Eero Simoncelli , PI), neural circuits and algorithms ( Dmitri 'Mitya' Chklovskii , PI), neuroAI and geometric data analysis ( SueYeon Chung , PI), and statistical analysis of neural data ( Alex Williams , PI).

POSITION SUMMARY

CCN invites applications for paid summer predoctoral positions by motivated doctoral students in computational neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, machine learning, computer science or related fields. The purpose of this Summer Predoctoral Researcher Program is to provide doctoral students with an assigned dissertation advisor and an identified dissertation topic in a relevant field the opportunity to be employed at the CCN for the purpose of collaborating on a research project with one or more CCN staff mentors. Knowledge of neuroscience is helpful but not required. Interested applicants should review the research group pages of the PIs listed above, and should describe in their research statement the project on which they'd like to collaborate and the research group(s) with whom they'd like to work.

CCN Predoctoral Scholars are invited to participate as full members of the CCN and Flatiron communities during their term of residency. CCN Summer Predoctoral Researchers are assigned a primary mentor and research group within the center, are invited to attend and present within their research group's meetings, and are also invited to participate in meetings of CCN's other research groups as well as center- and Flatiron-wide activities such as guest lectures, training on use of the Institute's robust scientific computing resources, and intern social activities. Finally, Summer Predoctoral Researchers will be invited to present their work at an Institute-wide symposium held at the end of the residency period.

The pre-doctoral program will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation's offices in New York City. CCN will provide eligible Predoctoral Researchers roundtrip travel to New York City and subsidized housing for the duration of their employment.

Visit the Flatiron Institute career page to learn more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reporting to the assigned mentor in the CCN, the projects will involve analysis of neuroscience data and modeling networks, applying the skills of analytical calculations and computer programming
  • Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Candidates should be advanced doctoral students (students with an assigned dissertation advisor and an identified dissertation topic) in computational neuroscience, electrical engineering, physics, computer science or related field.
  • Candidates must have permission to participate in the program from their dissertation advisor/PI (CCN PIs will be in touch with advisors directly to confirm).



Experience:

  • Experience with research projects in electrical engineering, computer science physics or related fields is helpful.



Related Skills & Other Requirements:

  • The successful applicant should have experience with programming in Matlab , Python, or C
  • The applicant should have satisfactorily completed Cal III and Linear Algebra
  • The applicant should have experience with basic optimization and machine learning techniques
  • Elementary knowledge of neuroscience is helpful



Pre-Doctoral SummerProgram and Deadlines

  • Summer Program: May 30 to August 11
  • Deadline to apply: February 1, 2023



Decisions will be made on a rolling basis through Friday, March 17, 2023.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

  • Curriculum vitae with bibliography;
  • Research statement of no more than two pages describing the candidate's past research experience, the research project on which the candidate would like to work, and the CCN research group(s) with whom the candidate would like to collaborate.



COMPENSATION

  • This pre-doctoral program pays $26.44 per hour.



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 provides 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

Apply Here


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