Computational Neuroscience Postdoctoral Researcher
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering a postdoctoral fellowship to support the AFRL 711 Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), Airman Systems Directorate, Warfighter Medical Optimization Division, Product Development Branch, Enroute Care (RHBAM) branch aeromedical research collaboration with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to strengthen your skills in computational neuroscience.
This project seeks to develop a computational model based on fast thermal gradients impact on synaptic mechanisms in dendritic spines. You will have the opportunity to be part of a collaborative project between UTSA, AFRL, and other universities where experiments and simulations will combine to understand fundamental plasticity processes in neuronal synapses. The results will have important practical implications in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. Within this project, you will develop deterministic and stochastic models of the biochemical signals involved in synaptic plasticity, and study how thermal gradients affect those reactions in the structurally complex dendritic spine environment.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Understanding and implementing biochemical reactions and molecular diffusion dynamic simulations using state-of-the-art computational approaches.
- Having access to high-performance computing environments.
- Learning how to integrate experimental data and to use the models to make experimentally testable predictions. As such, you will develop skills at the boundary of computational and experimental sciences in biophysics and neuroscience.
- Interacting with an interdisciplinary team.
- Learning to efficiently and succinctly communicate key results to a broad specialized scientific audience.
- Learning to collaborate during the generation of presentations and publications.
Where will I be located?
San Antonio, Texas
What is the anticipated start date?
AFRL is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have received a doctoral degree in a related discipline. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Programming skills, such as in Python and Matlab.
- A background in engineering and or physics is highly desirable, but trainees from neuroscience with modeling experience are highly encouraged to apply.
About 711 HPW
The 711 HPW is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under AFRL, the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the 711th Human Performance Wing, please visit https://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/711hpw/.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.