Postdoc in integrative neurophysiology (PA2022/2428)

Description of the workplace

Neural Basis of Sensorimotor Control, at the Department of Experimental Medical Science of Lund University, is a world-leading lab in integrative neurophysiology. We have a unique competence in having characterized neuronal circuitry properties in essentially all major parts of the central nervous system with a variety of leading electrophysiological techniques, and also in implementing these insights into computer models of different levels of complexity. We are currently coordinating two major, cross-disciplinary, Innovative European projects (i.e. intuitive-itn.eu; ph-coding.eu), deepening our insights into these neuronal circuitry properties and finding applications of those insights in a variety of disciplines such as brain sensing strategies and autonomous intelligent systems. The lab is fundamentally cross-disciplinary with people with background in medical science, computer science and physics and a strong supportive environment for individual development.

We offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous
holidays and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about being
employed at Lund University. Work with us.

Work duties and area of responsibilities

You will develop mathematical tools to infer the activity dynamics across large populations of neurons in the neocortex in vivo. Understanding such internal network dynamics will allow us to gain deeper understanding of how the brain networks operate, and thereby of the mechanisms explaining the generic function of the brain. Following this analysis, you will reconstruct the recorded dynamic population behavior in models of the underlying neuronal circuitry (i.e. biological neural networks). This will help informing future AI technology to become more faithful to actual brain circuitry operation.

The work will be based on previously acquired neural recording data from massively parallel recordings from 1000’s of neurons within small volumes of cortex for up to 10 hours continuously. The activity in this recording data occurs both spontaneously and by various sensory activations/combinations (using spatiotemporal primary sensory activation patterns of touch, vision, audio). Using pre-existing and own mathematical methods, estimate the spatial and temporal structure of the input-drive to the network, as well as main features of the internal network connections, and how that can explain the observed activity distributions across the recorded neurons. Reconstruct networks, using in-house biological neuron models, to further explain the data.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

PhD in subject areas related to mathematics, automatic control, signal processing, neural networks, computational neuroscience or computer science

Considered of merit for the recruitment:

Previous work or studies related to neuroscience. A high level of independent creativeness in the application of mathematics

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (maximum of 3 years) with start date 2022-09-01 or on agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

How to apply

The application must contain a personal letter in which you describe how you meet the desired qualifications, a CV and your diplomas.

Lund University welcomes applicants with different backgrounds and experiences. We see equality and diversity as a strength and asset. Welcome with your application!