Research Officer - Computational Neuroscience and Data Scientist

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health•Parkville, MD

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is seeking a highly motivated Research Officer – Computational Neuroscience & Data Scientist to join the Synapse Biology and Cognition Laboratory within the Mental Health Research Priority Area. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the computational and quantitative analysis of in vivo neural imaging datasets, integrating neural dynamics with complex rodent behavioural paradigms to generate mechanistic insights into cognition and neuropsychiatric disorders. The position will take a leading role in analysing high-dimensional neural and behavioural datasets derived from miniscope calcium imaging and/or fibre photometry, including touchscreen-based cognitive tasks.You will develop and maintain robust analysis pipelines, apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods, and build predictive and generative models linking neural population activity to behaviour. The role sits at the interface of experimental neuroscience, data science, and translational mental health research.

Requirements

PhD (or equivalent) in computational neuroscience, data science, biomedical engineering, computer science, neuroscience, or a related quantitative discipline
Demonstrated expertise in analysing neural time-series data
Strong programming skills (Python and/or MATLAB required; R desirable)
Advanced statistical modelling and machine learning experience
Track record of peer-reviewed research publications

Nice To Haves

Experience analysing miniscope calcium imaging and/or fibre photometry data
Familiarity with calcium imaging toolkits (e.g. CNMF, Suite2p, CaImAn)
Experience integrating neural and behavioural datasets
Knowledge of Bayesian, state-space, or dynamical systems modelling
Experience with translational or cross-species neuroimaging analyses

Responsibilities

Lead computational and quantitative analysis across laboratory research projects
Develop, refine, and maintain scalable analysis pipelines for calcium imaging and/or fibre photometry data
Perform advanced statistical modelling and machine learning analyses of behavioural and neural datasets
Integrate neural and behavioural data using GLMs, state-space models, latent variable models, and dimensionality reduction approaches
Build predictive and mechanistic models of neural population dynamics and behaviour
Contribute to experimental design to optimise computational tractability and statistical power
Ensure reproducible, well-documented analysis workflows and data governance
Contribute to manuscripts, grants, and research reports
Supervise and mentor students and research assistants
Collaborate with clinical and translational research partners (e.g. Psychiatry, University of Melbourne)