Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Position Detail

The Cognition, Computation, and Consciousness Lab (Three C’s) in the Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University seeks applicants for a postdoctoral researcher position. How is it that we use Attention to focus on important stimuli in our environment? How do we Predict and filter out familiar and expected aspects of our environment but quickly become aware of unexpected stimuli? How do we keep information “in mind” and in Working Memory to manipulate and control our own thoughts and actions? Attention, Prediction, and Working Memory are powerful examples of cognition. The mission of the Bastos Lab is to understand their neuronal basis. For more information about the lab, please visit: https://www.bastoslabvu.com/

Department	Psychology
Full Description	The Bastos laboratory primarily works with non-human primates (NHPs) to collect rich multi-area, multi-laminar as monkeys perform cognitive tasks. In addition, we have recently partnered with the Allen Institute through the OpenScope program. This will allow us to have exclusive access to multi-area high-density neuropixels data in mice that are viewing a predictable sequence with occasional violations. Through optotagging, we will have access to the specific inhibitory cell type of neurons we record in mice. Our ultimate aim is to translate this knowledge via a combination of different techniques (machine learning and optogenetics in macaques) to enable a cell-type specific interrogation of neural circuits in the primate brain. Together we hope to understand the neural implementation of cognition down to specific cells and circuits, and how circuits are integrated into brain-wide networks in multiple species. We invite applicants from around the world to apply to work with us. We are particularly interested in applications from candidates with strong data analysis and data modeling skills, as well as candidates with experimental experience in multi-laminar recordings (including neuropixels, Plexon V/U probes, Neuronexus probes, Diagnostic Biochips, etc), behavioral training of animals, and optogenetics. Responsibilities of the postdoc will include: Collecting data, preparing data for analysis, analyzing data, publishing scientific manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and submitting mentored grant applications. The postdoc will also supervise undergraduate and graduate students/volunteers and research staff, contribute to the design and execution of funded studies, and conduct clinical interviews/assessments. This is an ideal position for those seeking a postdoctoral career of high research productivity (publications, grants) to successfully transition to an independent academic research career.
Application Details	Desired Skills: Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related disciplines. The following skills are also strongly desired: 1. Background in systems neuroscience techniques, processing and analysis (LFP recordings, multi-area multi-laminar spiking recordings, cell-type specific spike sorting and analysis, Calcium imaging, optogenetics, etc.). Candidates with primarily dry lab or wet lab experiment are equally encouraged to apply. The Bastos Lab combines both in an “amphibious” approach. 2. Experience with coding in programs such as MATLAB, Python, Julia, and/or R. 3. Demonstrated scientific expertise, with publications in refereed journals Additional Information: The appointment can start as early as Fall 2022, but we will consider candidates who can start at a later date (e.g., Spring 2023). The initial appointment is for one year initially. Renewal for a second year is contingent on availability of funds, satisfactory performance, acceptable progress in carrying out the assigned duties, and mutual agreement. Salary is commensurate with experience. To Apply: Please submit a cover letter including a brief statement of career goals, a curriculum vitae, one example publication/manuscript, and contact information of three references. Apply to Dr. André Bastos by sending an email to andre.bastos@vanderbilt.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We also encourage international applicants.
Contact:	Andre Bastos : andre.bastos@vanderbilt.edu : (615) 322-0070
Posted	2022-07-15 15:25:17

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