A postdoctoral position for 2-photon imaging and holographic stimulation of neuronal avalanches in the cortex of behaving mice is available immediately in the Section of Critical Brain Dynamics of Dietmar Plenz at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, USA.

The successful candidate will join our vibrant, collaborative, and interdisciplinary group to explore function and benefits of critical dynamics such as neuronal avalanches in cortical information processing. Our team utilizes numerous experimental techniques such as 2-photon imaging, controlled single cell stimulation with spatial-light modulation, and extracellular/intracellular recordings to study the emergent dynamics in large neuronal populations in vitro and in vivo. Our experimental approaches are complemented by elaborate computer simulations and theoretical studies in complex systems. We are located in the Porter Neuroscience Research Center on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, which provides ample opportunities to engage with a diverse neuroscience community for non-clinical and clinical research.

To qualify for this position, you need a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience/physics or related discipline, some background in systems neuroscience, and an ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. Special considerations are given to applicants with training in imaging, in vivo physiology, laser optics, computational approaches. Advanced programming skills, in MATLAB, and/or Python, are of advantage but not required. The position comes with a commitment of at least 2 years and can be extended for up to 5 years.

Interested and qualified individuals should send a copy of their curriculum vitae and names of three references to Dietmar Plenz at plenzd@mail.nih.gov .

The NIH is dedicated to building a community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.