Postdoctoral Research Associate – Cognitive Axon Lab – Dietrich College

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

40d

About The Position

The Cognitive Axon Lab in the Department of Psychology and Carnegie Mellon Neuroscience Institute seeks a multi-year Postdoctoral Research Associate for a Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS)-funded project. The research focuses on how dynamics of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic pathways contribute to naturalistic foraging behaviors. The position is jointly supervised by Professor Timothy Verstynen of Carnegie Mellon University and Professor Jonathan Rubin of the University of Pittsburgh. The appointment is renewed annually, with two years of funding secured.

The successful candidate will connect decision-making computational models and mathematical analysis with human and rodent data. The role also includes managing data analysis and archiving, mentoring students and other trainees, presenting results at conferences and in journal publications, and assisting with future funding applications. The candidate should bring analytical, organizational, planning, problem-solving, reasoning, and communication skills, and be able to work with varied internal and external partners with integrity.

A PhD in cognitive computational neuroscience or a related discipline is required. Preferred experience includes analysis of behavioral and imaging data, machine learning, and computational neuroscience. Comparable knowledge demonstrated through a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. The position is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is full-time.

Requirements

• PhD in an area covering cognitive computational neuroscience, such as neuroscience, mathematics, cognitive science, or computer science, or in a related discipline.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Organization and planning skills.
• Problem-solving and reasoning skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with a high level of integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Experience analyzing behavioral and imaging data.
• Experience with machine learning.
• Experience in computational neuroscience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct decision-making research linking computational models and mathematical analysis to human and rodent data.
• Manage data analysis and archiving.
• Mentor students and other trainees.
• Present results at conferences and in journal publications.
• Assist with preparing future funding applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Family Concierge Team assistance with childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree