Applications are invited for the post of ‘Marie Curie Actions Experienced Researcher’ to work with Professor Stephen Coombes and Dr Noah Russell on a Marie Curie Initial Training Network funded project in Mathematical Neuroscience to underpin work at Nottingham, United Kingdom on Synthetic Cognition.

This full-time post is available from the 3 September 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months.

Description

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a joint venture between Mathematical Sciences and the Neurophotonics Research Laboratory on an EC-funded project in Neural Engineering with a focus on theoretical work to understand neural computation. The Nottingham Neurophotonics Laboratory is developing cutting edge technology to study small networks of living neurons connected to a virtual environment programmed on a real-time computer. This project will involve the development of a phase-amplitude framework, for describing physiologically realistic models of single neurons, into a useful tool for addressing fundamental questions in neuroscience, and specifically the dynamical evolution of states observed in living micro-culture neuronal arrays. A major focus will be on the use of powerful new ideas in dynamical systems theory to understand the transitions between network states, their control, and influence by an external environment. The ultimate aim of this work is to develop a deep understanding of cognition at an elemental level.

Candidates must be in the first 5 years of their research careers and already be in possession of a doctoral degree (or be close to completion) in mathematics, physics or engineering. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in mathematical and computational neuroscience. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity we encourage applications from women. To comply with the Marie Curie Actions rule for mobility applicants must not have resided, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to Sept 2012.

Nr of positions available : 1

Research Fields

Mathematics – Applied mathematics

Career Stage

Experienced researcher or 4-10 yrs (Post-Doc)

Research Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Benefits

The salary for this post is set by the regulations governing Marie Curie projects. Please refer to the guidelines for further information(http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions.)

For information, the gross salary will be paid at £50,532 to £58,236 per annum. This will be income tax, national insurance and pension contribution deductable. A pension scheme opt-out is available. In addition to basic salary, the successful applicant will receive a generous monthly mobility allowance (exact amount depending on personal and family circumstances).

Full staff benefits include maternity and paternity leave, flexible working, 30 days annual leave (not including University closure days and bank holidays) and access to a wide array of professional development courses.

Comment/web site for additional job details

Further details are available at the application site:http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI1146