Post-doctoral Researcher in Computational generation of axonal morphologies W/M

Post-doc / Scientific Collaborator         ·       Switzerland (On-Site)       ·      Full time

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,000 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 16,000 people, including over 12,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Post-doctoral Researcher in Computational generation of axonal morphologies W/M

Your mission :

The aim of the EPFL Blue Brain Project (BBP), a Swiss brain research initiative founded and directed by Professor Henry Markram, is to establish simulation neuroscience as a complementary approach alongside experimental, theoretical and clinical neuroscience to understanding the brain, by building the world’s first biologically detailed digital reconstructions and simulations of the mouse brain.

Within the Cells group we are looking for a Post-doctoral Researcher in Computational generation of axonal morphologies W/M.

Main duties and responsibilities include :

The goal of this project is the computational generation of axonal morphologies that reproduce the local and global morphological properties of biological cells in the rodent brain. This is a crucial step for the generation of large scale neuronal networks that are structurally and functionally similar to biological networks. Meso (& macro) scale axons should be built at two levels of complexity: the first one requires the generation of long range paths and the second one the generation of local branching. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for prototyping the analysis of long range axons from large scale dataset of experimental reconstructions and generating the input data required for long-range axon synthesis. In addition, the successful candidate will develop the python code and design the algorithm to consume these data during synthesis and produce a link between local and long-range axon synthesis algorithms. Subsequently it will be required to contribute to the development of the appropriate validations to evaluate the quality of the synthesized cells.

Your profile :

• PhD in Mathematics, Computational neuroscience, Physics or related field
• Strong experience in scientific computing software (Python, C++)
• Strong experience (at least two years) in algorithm development and programming
• Good Background in mathematics (and topology)
• Experience in continuous integration and code reviews
• Strong team player and fluent English in speech and writing

Are nice to have :

• Knowledge of neuroscience (including neuronal morphologies)
• Knowledge of algebraic topology
• Experience in existing neuroscience tools for neuronal analysis
• Experience in path integration techniques, stochastic growth algorithms and Monte Carlo simulations
• Experience in supervision of students and teaching

We offer :

• An internationally visible project in simulation-based research in neuroscience
• A dynamic, inter-disciplinary, and international working environment in a modern working environment (Campus Biotech, Geneva)
• Possibility to participate in outreach events in Switzerland and abroad

Start date : as soon as possible
Term of employment : Fixed-term (CDD)
Work rate : 100%
Duration : 1 year, renewable
Remark : Only candidates who applied through EPFL website or our partner Jobup’s website will be considered. Files sent by agencies without a mandate will not be taken into account.
Reference : Job Nb 2497

Please click here to apply.