POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN SYSTEMS NEUROSCIENCES

Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-years Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systems Neuroscience at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo. The position is associated with a project funded by the Research Council of Norway focusing on neural mechanisms of social interactions. The project is headed by Professor Torkel Hafting at the Division of Physiology.

More about the position

The researcher will be part of a team aiming to understand how neural activity in the medial temporal lobe encodes and represents spatial and social information. The work involves analysing experimental datasets and offers opportunities to conduct experiments employing techniques such as optogenetics, large-scale electrophysiological recordings (Neuropixels), and in vivo two photon imaging during behavioural tasks.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

• Ph.D degree or equivalent in Neuroscience or Physiology, Biology, Physics, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields. If a doctoral degree is not yet awarded, the doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation and include a planned date for the disputation by the closing application date.
• Strong interest in neurobiology and computational approaches for investigating neuronal and network function.
• Programming skills and experience writing non-trivial programs particularly in Python.
• Experience and proven track record in developing and applying computational methods for data analysis.
• Experience with analysing electrophysiology data is an advantage (EEG/LFP and/or multiunit recordings).
• Proficiency with major techniques in experimental neurophysiology at the cellular or network level is an advantage.
• A strong motivation for doing in vivo recordings with neuropixel probes.
• Experience in the following will also be considered in the assessment of the applicants: in vivo two-photon imaging, in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, rodent behaviour.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Personal skills

• Strong motivation and drive to work at the frontier of basic science.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to work efficiently and deliver results.
• Clarity in communication.

We offer

• Salary 584 500 – 667 700 NOK per annum depending on qualification (position code 1109)
• A friendly and supportive working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and generous pension arrangements
• Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work including list of publications)
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• List of 2-3 professional references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and phone number)
• Optional: A link to a repository of work demonstrating experience with coding.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

Professor Torkel Hafting torkel.hafting@medisin.uio.no https://www.med.uio.no/imb/english/research/groups/neurolab