Postdoctoral position in Circuit and Computational Neuroscience

Postdoctoral position in Circuit and Computational Neuroscience Italy Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let's leave something for the future At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting‐edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential. THE ROLE In the framework of a joint research project between Dr. Raffaella Tonini (Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits - NmCs) and Dr. Peter Neri (Sensory Processing and Computation), a postdoctoral position is available to work at the intersection between circuit and computational neuroscience. The NmCs research unit applies a multiscale neuroscience approach to investigate how spatially and temporally diverse neuromodulatory signals converge in anatomically defined brain circuits to regulate aspects of motor and motivated behavior. The goal of the Sensory Processing and Computation research unit is to understand how sensory signals are processed by neural devices (e.g. human, insect or fish brain) to control and drive behavior, where "understanding" comes in the form of accounting for all measurable aspects of sensory behaviour via computational models and mathematical tools. The project investigates the fundamental principles underlying foraging strategies in living systems. We will extract metrics of foraging behavior with a particular focus on the trade‐off between exploration and exploitation. We will then develop a flexible computational framework to identify relevant neuronal structures, and design targeted experiments to link foraging behavior with large‐scale neural activity and neuromodulatory signals. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Collaborate with experimentalists to integrate computational analysis with behavioral and neural data - Develop and apply computational tools for analyz ing high-dimensional data ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS - PhD in Neuroscience, computer science, physics, or a related computational discipline - Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., Pytorch, Tensorflow)- Strong programming skills in Python (alternatively Matlab) and familiarity with scientific libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, pandas)- Experience with video analysis and processing of neural signals - The ability to properly report, organize, and publish research data - Excellent command of spoken and written English ADDITIONAL SKILLS - Expertise in experimental paradigms to investigate cognitive functions in murine models - Strong problem‐solving attitude - High motivation to learn - Spirit of innovation and creativity - Good in time and priority management - Ability to work in a challenging and international environment - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment COMPENSATION PACKAGE - Competitive salary package for international standards - Wide range of staff discounts - Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years Applications should include a cover letter, a CV, and the names and addresses (including e‐mail addresses) of at least two referees. The position will remain open until filled. 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In particular for the purposes of establishing the employment relationship (Article 1.3, letter a of Annex 1 of Provision no 497/2018 of the Italian Supervisory Authority), also with reference to the Law no 68/99 concerning the hiring of protected categories. - legitimate interest of the Data Controller (Article 6, paragraph 1, lett. f) of the Regulation), limited to the processing of the tax code in order to optimise the management of the periodic information flows from the HCOD to the 231 Supervisory Board. In this regard, IIT has carried out the balancing test required by the Regulation, in order to verify that the legitimate interest does not prevail over the freedoms and rights of applicants. The test returned a positive result. - Processing method Your data will be processed by computer and paper support, following the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security. 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