"Flatiron Research Fellow, Computational Vision, CCN"

Flatiron Research Fellow, Computational Vision, Center for Computational Neuroscience

Flatiron Institute - Simons Foundation

Location

162 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10010

Open Date

Nov 13, 2023

Description

Applications are invited for Flatiron Research Fellowships in the Laboratory for Computational Vision, at the Center for Computational Neuroscience, within the Flatiron Institute of the Simons Foundation. The research of the group is focused on analysis and representation of visual information, including empirical study of the structures of visual scenes, development of mathematical/statistical theories for representation and processing that structure, implementation and simulation of biologically plausible instantiations of these theories, and development of associated machine vision methods. 

The CCN FRF program offers the opportunity for postdoctoral research in areas that have strong synergy with one or more of the existing research groups at CCN or other centers at the Flatiron Institute. In addition to carrying out an independent research program, Flatiron Research Fellows are expected to: disseminate their results through scientific presentations, publications, and software release, collaborate with other members of the CCN or Flatiron Institute, and participate in the scientific life of the CCN and Flatiron Institute by attending seminars, colloquia, and group meetings. Flatiron Research Fellows also have the opportunity to organize workshops and to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

The mission of CCN is to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function. CCN takes a vertically integrated “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. CCN’s current research groups include computational vision (Eero Simoncelli, PI), neural circuits and algorithms (Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii, PI), neuroAI and geometric data analysis (SueYeon Chung, PI), and statistical analysis of neural data (Alex Williams, PI). 

Review of applications will begin in December 2023, for positions starting as early as May 2024.

FRF positions are two-year appointments and are generally renewed for a third year, contingent on performance. FRF receive a research budget and have access to the Flatiron Institute’s world-class scientific computing resources. FRF may be eligible for subsidized housing within walking distance of the CCN. 

These positions will be based in our New York City office. For more information, visit www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/careers.

Qualifications

Education requirement

• PhD in computational neuroscience or a relevant technical field such as electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, physics, or applied math. PhD must be granted before the start of appointment.

Required Skills

• Strong quantitative skills (mathematics, statistics, scientific reasoning), and a flexible multi-disciplinary mindset;
• Strong interest and experience in the scientific study of the brain;
• Demonstrated abilities in analysis, software and algorithm development, modeling and/or scientific simulation;
• Ability to work well independently, as well as in a collaborative environment.

Application Instructions

Application Materials

• Brief cover letter, explaining how a CCN FRF position fits into overall career trajectory;
• Curriculum Vitae with bibliography;
• Research statement (maximum 3 pages) describing past research experience, potential research directions, and their relevance to CCN. Applicants who are interested in collaboration with other research groups within CCN should describe those directions as well.
• At least two (2) letters of recommendation

Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on 1) past research accomplishments 2) proposed research plans 3) synergy of applicant’s expertise and research proposal topic with existing CCN staff and research programs.