Postdoctoral Appointee - Computational Neuroscience

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation with major facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Livermore, California.  We are a world-class team of scientists, engineers, technologists, post docs, and visiting researchers all focused on cutting-edge technology, ranging from homeland defense, global security, biotechnology, and environmental preservation to energy and combustion research, computer security, and nuclear defense.  To learn more, please visit our website at www.sandia.gov.

Sandia National Laboratories is searching for a Postdoctoral Appointee of Computation Neuroscience for the Cognitive Systems and Cognitive Modeling Department for the Albuquerque, NM facility.

The Cognitive Systems and Cognitive Modeling Department broadly conducts research and development in cognition, human-machine interface technologies and brain inspired computing. Examples include computational modeling of neural and cognitive processes, cognitive software agents, automated knowledge capture, and cognition-based training technologies. Some of our core technologies emulate and augment human cognition using algorithms ranging from machine learning to detailed physiologically-based models of perception and cognition. We are a member of the Cognitive Science & Technology (CS&T) community within Sandia, and partner with strategic universities and industry to complement our understanding of the human and social sciences. We are engaged in a broad spectrum of mission areas around the Laboratory, such as Defense Systems & Assessments; International, Homeland & Nuclear Security; and Energy, Climate & Infrastructure Security.

Job Summary

The selected candidate will join our interdisciplinary research program in developing multi-scale models of neural processes. We are particularly interested in the cellular and circuit level mechanisms underlying human cognitive functions such as learning, memory, decision-making, etc. Example research topics of interest include the development and validation of large-scale high-fidelity neural simulations, algorithmic understanding of neural circuits, neural basis of decision-making, neuromorphic computing, and methods for analysis of both real and simulated neural data.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong background in neuroscience and an understanding of relations between neuroscience, cognitive science, and computation. Successful staff members at Sandia are expected both to contribute to ongoing projects and to develop new lines of research with potential for application in solving complex problems. Job duties may include writing proposals, conducting research both independently and in teams, giving presentations, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to program development.

The Postdoctoral Appointee Program is designed to recruit outstanding Ph.D. applicants to assist a line organization in meeting its mission objectives and to provide a professional technical work environment for the employee. The Ph.D. must have been conferred within 1 to 5 years prior to employment. These assignments are for a one-year period, with the option at management’s discretion to serve no more than 5 additional one-year assignments. Extensions of up to 6 years require employee's manager approval. Six years or greater requires employee's manager and HR VP approval.

Required

·   A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or related field

·   Passion for applying fundamental neuroscience to develop theories of cognitive function that can be implemented and tested computationally

·   Experience with neuroscience research methods and data analysis

·   Strong publication record

·   Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills

·   Demonstrated ability to contribute to, form, and lead multidisciplinary teams

·   Willingness to travel

·   Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Security Clearance

Desired

·   Demonstrated abilities in mathematical, physical, and computational modeling of neural or cognitive function

·   Understanding of related domains, such as physics, biochemistry, theory of computation, numerical analysis, brain-inspired computing, and high-performance computing

·   Experience in adult neurogenesis or structural plasticity of neural systems

Security Clearance

Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE)-granted Q-level security clearance.

Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment background review that includes personal reference checks, law enforcement record and credit checks, and employment and education verifications. Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, rendering the inability to perform the duties assigned and resulting in termination of employment.

To apply

To learn more about this position and to apply online, please visit us at http://www.sandia.gov/careers/search-openings.html, click Advanced Search and reference Job Opening ID Number:  642081.

U.S. Citizenship Normally Required.  Equal Opportunity Employer.  M/F/D/V.