Below an exciting opportunity in Janelia Farm Research Campus to be part
of an exciting collaboration if you are into scientific computing,
software development and interaction with state of the art biophysics
experiments:
The Scientific Computing Associate (SCA)
<https://www.janelia.org/support-team/scientific-computing-software/scientific-computing-associates>
II position represents an alternative to traditional scientific roles
(e.g. postdoc) and provides an ideal environment to establish a career
in computational research or software engineering. The position aims at
developing qualifications and experience in computational research and
professional software engineering in a research environment that enables
the candidate to pursue their future career in science or industry. For
each project, the SCA will be paired with an experienced software
engineer and a member from the specific lab, often the lab head, to
quickly learn techniques and about the project itself. The developed
software will be openly accessible and the SCA will have the opportunity
to become a lead contributor and to potentially publish results. The SCA
position is a time-limited appointment for 12 to 24 months, with
discretionary renewal for a 12-month term (maximum of 36 months in total).
*What We Provide:*
*
A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and
welfare benefits.
*
The opportunity to collaborate with skilled scientists and software
engineers and work alongside computational and experimental enthusiasts
*
The ability to work as an independent scientist
*
An exciting and inspiring work environment at HHMI Janelia
*What You’ll Do:*
We are seeking an SCA to join our team at HHMI Janelia to lead a project
aimed at /in silico/ biophysical modeling of extracellular ion dynamics
in the mammalian brain. Dr. Kayvon Pedram <https://www.pedramlab.com/>
will provide mentorship on biochemical aspects of the work; Dr. Ahmed El
Hady <https://www.ab.mpg.de/person/111828/2736> will provide mentorship
in theoretical neuroscience; and Dr. Stephan Preibisch
<https://www.janelia.org/people/stephan-preibisch> and his team will
provide mentorship in algorithm development and software engineering.
Successful candidates will be interested in exerting intellectual and
operational freedom to tackle research objectives at the intersection of
these three fields.
In brief, neurons convey information through electric pulses, which are
generated by rapid ion transport between the cell’s interior and the
local extracellular environment. These action potentials propagate from
one neuron to the next via chemical synapses, where
neurotransmitter-containing vesicles are released into the extracellular
space for detection by neighboring neurons. The process of
neurotransmitter release itself depends on a rapid, synaptically
localized calcium exchange with the extracellular environment. While it
is widely understood that transmembrane ion gradients are a crucial
aspect of the biophysics that underlies communication within neuronal
networks, there is a much more limited understanding of how molecules in
the extracellular space, which are heterogenous and actively remodeled
throughout the brain, contribute to neuronal communication over a
variety of spatial and temporal scales. You will build theoretical
frameworks and computational models to explore how extracellular
factors, such as ion-ion interactions and mechanical perturbations,
influence the diffusion of charged molecules, and subsequently, neuronal
excitability. You can expect a close, bidirectional relationship between
your theory/modeling efforts and experiments ongoing in the lab and will
have the opportunity to test theoretical predictions in the laboratory,
if desired. A detailed project description and bibliography will be
provided to candidates at the interview stage.
*What You Bring:*
*
M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Neuroscience, or related
fields (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering).
*
Extensive coding experience
*
Collaborative and collegial attitude toward staff at all levels.
For more information and application , please check here:
https://hhmi.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Janelia-Research-Campus/Scientific-Computing-Associate---Biophysical-Modeling_R-2284-1
