Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurophysics and Brain Dynamics

• Up to 3 positions studying multiscale, emergent, nonlinear, and critical phenomena in the brain
• Full-time, fixed term for three years, with further offers available subject to performance, funding and need remuneration package: up to $112K pro rata p.a. which includes leave loading and up to 17% super
• The opportunity to work in the Brain Dynamics Group

 The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and has an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. It employs over 7600 permanent staff, supporting over 60,000 students. 

Applications are sought for up to three Postdoctoral Research Associates (Level A) in the School of Physics and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function (CIBF).

This is an opportunity to work in the Brain Dynamics Group of Professor Peter Robinson on projects in the area of his Laureate Fellowship on the Physical Brain and/or research in the area of the CIBF. His group also participates in the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety, and Productivity, and the NHMRC-funded Centre for Research Excellence, Neurosleep, and has wide collaborations across the University, Australia, and internationally.

The successful applicants will form a team to work on a wide variety of theoretical and computational topics in multiscale, emergent, nonlinear, and critical phenomena in the brain, starting from a physical perspective, with particular focus on nonlinear and stochastic dynamics of brain activity waves, modes, and networks. Key applications will be pursued under the laureate program that involve vision, seizures, imaging, and network evolution; others will be in the CIBF’s focal areas of attention, prediction, and decision. Successful applicants will also be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of theoreticians and experimentalists to advance these projects.

Essential criteria include:

• an undergraduate major in physics, applied mathematics, or similar field
• a theoretical/computational PhD in physics, computational neuroscience, biological modelling, applied mathematics, engineering, or allied field; thesis must have at least been submitted for examination by the time of any interview for this position.
• demonstrated ability to program in Matlab or C++
• proved research ability and evidence of self-motivation and research potential, including the ability to conduct research activities under limited supervision
• publications in refereed journals

Desirable criteria include:

• familiarity with background areas such as quantum theory, fields, networks, Green functions, critical phenomena, wave theory, control systems, and/or nonlinear dynamics
• demonstrated ability to relate theoretical predictions to experimental data and vice versa
• experience in brain modelling or computational neuroscience
• experience with neural field theory
• experience with modelling physical or biological systems
• experience in multidisciplinary teams
• an ability to start work by 31 January 2017.

Since a team is being built, the initial appointment process will begin by appointing the most suitable\person; the remaining people will then be assessed with regard to the areas that remain to be covered by the team as a whole, particularly as no one person is expected to possess the full range of skills described above.

The position is full-time fixed term for three years, subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees and satisfactory performance as assessed at the end of the second year. Further offers may be available subject to performance, funding and need. Applications that make a case for a part-time position will also be considered, especially where this advances the Equal Opportunity goals of the University or if the applicant is of unusual merit.

This appointment will be for three years with potential for extension subject to ongoing funding. The School of Physics supports a flexible working environment.  Subject to visa restrictions, applications will be considered for either a full-time or part-time appointment to this position.

To be considered for this position it is essential that you address the online selection criteria. For guidance on how to apply visit: How to apply for an advertised position.

General enquiries can be directed to Dan Kuhner on 02 862 70934 or at dan.kuhner@sydney.edu.au

CLOSING DATE: 15 August 2016 (11.30pm Sydney Time)

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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