Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford
Grade 7: £32,236 - £39,609 p.a.
A postdoctoral position is available for a highly motivated postdoctoral assistant to investigate the neuroscience of working memory. We aim to account for neural correlates of flexible encoding in memory, examining how shifting attention within memory alters neural representations. In particular we ask how psychological features like binding, ‘slots’ and general-purpose pointers can be produced by neural network models that involve rapid plasticity, and in turn, how these models can be tested directly against neural data.
The project will therefore involve comparing data to simulations of cognitive processes. The successful candidate will develop a novel trial-wise analysis of neural data, demonstrating the interaction of information held in persistent neural activity, with synaptic storage of information. This will involve re-analysing high-dimensional data from previously performed MEG studies and existing single-neuron recordings. The project will also require computational modelling in the form of simulation of putative neural network models of working memory, to obtain quantitative predictions at both the behavioural and neural levels.
The successful candidate will be responsible for data analysis and modelling of a variety of data. This will involve multivariate time-varying analysis and statistics. They will also need to design and code simulations at various neural levels, such as rate-neurons, spiking neurons or biophysical models. Training and supervision will be provided in the analysis and modelling as required. The candidate will be expected to take a lead role in writing the results up as peer-reviewed papers.
It is essential that the candidate hold a PhD or has submitted their thesis, with an established track record of publications. Good interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication are imperative. Experience in behavioural or computational neuroscience, functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) are essential, as is knowledge of cognitive models of learning, working memory, cognitive control, decision-making or motivation. Experience in experimental design, data collection and analysis with excellent presentation and teaching skills would prove beneficial.
Information enquiries may be addressed to: sanjay.manohar@ndcn.ox.ac.uk.
The post is full-time and for a fixed-term until 31st December 2020 in the first of the instance.
Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Monday 18 February 2019 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
For more information and to apply, click here
sanjay.manohar@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
