Research Associate in Computational Neuroscience (Fixed Term)
A position exists for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a project in the lab of Máté Lengyel at the Computational and Biological Learning Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge (https://cbl.eng.cam.ac.uk).
The post holder will be located in Central Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
The project involves the modelling and analyses of neural circuit dynamics, in particular of the stabilised supralinear network, in the context of hippocampal memory recall. The project is based on the following key publications:
- Lengyel M, Kwag J, Paulsen O, Dayan P (2005) Matching storage and recall: hippocampal spike timing-dependent plasticity and phase response curves. Nat Neurosci 8:1677-1683.
- Hennequin G, Ahmadian Y, Rubin DB, Lengyel M, Miller KD (2018) The dynamical regime of sensory cortex: stable dynamics around a single stimulus-tuned attractor account for patterns of noise variability. Neuron 98:846-860.
The key responsibilities and duties are:
- Undertaking basic research, formulating research questions and pursuing them using mathematical modelling and numerical simulations.
- Making use of standard research techniques and methods, as well as developing new ones.
- Conducting literature and database searches.
- Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes.
- Continuing to update knowledge and develop skills.
- Assisting with teaching-related activities.
- Liaising with colleagues and students on routine matters.
- Making internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and forming relationships for future collaboration.
- Planning own day-to-day research activity.
- Contributing to the planning of research projects.
The successful candidate(s) will have:
- A strong quantitative background.
- Demonstrable interest in theoretical and systems neuroscience.
- Obtained a PhD in systems neuroscience, computational neuroscience, computational cognitive science, physics, mathematics, computer science, machine learning, engineering or a related field.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Previous experience in computational neuroscience, especially with modelling neural circuit dynamics, in particular the stabilised supralinear network.
- Sufficient programming skills to run numerical simulations.
Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
Appointment is dependent on having a PhD.
Salary Range: *Research Associate: £36,924 - £45,163
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2026 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a publication list and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof Lengyel (ml468@cam.ac.uk) for queries of a technical nature related to the role or the CBL Group administrator (cbl-enquiries@eng.cam.ac.uk) for questions on the application process.
Please quote reference NM45179 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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