Joint CUNY - Center for Computational Neuroscience Visiting Scholar

Applications are invited to apply for a joint position at the CUNY Graduate Center and the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN). This position is a CUNY faculty position combined with a Visiting Scholar appointment at Flatiron; the visiting scholar position comes with 50% teaching relief at CUNY and access to Flatiron resources as described below.

Applicants should have a strong background in the development and use of computational methods in neuroscience. While applicants interested in any of the fields of research supported at CCN will be considered, preference will be given to scientists whose research interests combine computational methods with a systems approach to neuroscience.

Directed by Eero Simonelli, the Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) located in New York City, is a leading international center for the study of brain function both in health and disease. The development of the concepts, algorithms and code libraries needed to advance the field is fundamental to the work of the center. Research projects currently pursued at CCN cover a broad range of methods and interest.

CCN currently comprises of more than 45 research and software scientists at career stages from recent PhDs through senior scientists, as well as support staff, visiting scientists, and affiliated graduate students and interns. CCN has vigorous visitor and workshop programs, strong interactions with scientists from neighboring institutions and is engaged in several national and international partnerships.

Researchers holding the visiting scholar appointment at CCN develop theoretical concepts, systems neuroscience approaches, models and algorithms, and apply these to obtain new insights into perception, cognition, and behavior. They develop their own cross-disciplinary research programs and also work in collaboration with other CCN scientists including postdoctoral fellows. Reporting to the director of CCN, these positions are based at the Flatiron Institute, a division of the Simons Foundation, in New York City.

The visiting scholar will be appointed for an initial three-year period; the appointment may be renewed for additional periods during the duration of the CUNY joint appointment.

This position will be based, and have a principal office or workspace, at the foundation’s offices in New York City. The visiting scholar will have access to CCN resources including computational time, and financial support for conference attendance and travel.

For more information about careers at the Flatiron Institute, please visit simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/careers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research in computational neuroscience, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles to provide insight into perception, cognition, and behavior.

• Publish research in refereed scientific and technical journals and present research at scientific conferences

• Provide publicly available software for use by the scientific community

• Support the public use of available software

• Assist in the organization of CCN-related workshops, conferences, group meetings and seminars

• Actively work with and provide support to postdoctoral Flatiron research fellows and visiting graduate and undergraduate students

• Mentor summer students and assist in the organization of summer programs

• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual compensation range for this 0.5 Full time equivalent position is $67,500 - $82,500 in addition to the CUNY Graduate Center faculty salary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: PhD degree in Physics, Math, Engineering, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or Computer Science

Preferred Qualifications

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  Postgraduate research experience (typically 2 to 6 years) in computational neuroscience, or related field of interest to the CCN

  
  


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  A record of excellence in scientific publication

  
  


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  Ability to do original and outstanding research in neuroscience

  
  


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  Effective oral and written communication skills

  
  


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  Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative team environment

  
  

Required Application Materials:

• CV

• Cover letter

• Research statement outlining both past research accomplishments and a vision for scientific research at CUNY.

• Teaching and mentorship philosophy statement for graduate education

• Contact information for three (3) professional references (name, title, institution, and email address)

Applicants to this position must submit applications both to CUNY and to CCN. The same application can be submitted for the faculty position at the Graduate Center and for the Visiting Scholar position at CCN. However, applicants are welcome to comment on specific synergies with CCN in their cover letter for the Flatiron application.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law