Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly formed Gleeson Lab of Open Neuroscience & AI (http://openneuroai.org) in the department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology. The focus of the group is on the development and application of open neuroscience software tools and resources to facilitate the investigation of brain function, as well as the investigation of new approaches to modelling networks across computational neuroscience and AI/machine learning. Projects being undertaken include the Open Source Brain model and data sharing platform and the NeuroML model description language/software ecosystem for computational neuroscience. Additionally, we are also involved in the OpenWorm initiative and contribute to the development of MDF (Model Description Format) which allows specification of network models across computational neuroscience, machine learning and cognitive science.

The OpenWorm project (https://openworm.org) aims to crea te a cell-by-cell simulation of the worm C. elegans. A key goal of the project is to create a biophysically detailed network model of the worm’s nervous system, which can control the musculature of a simulated worm body to allow the worm to move, sense and interact in a 3D virtual environment.

We seek a Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow who will contribute specifically to the infrastructure development and scientific aims of the OpenWorm project and will also help drive forward the other informatics initiatives of the lab.

The role will involve contributing to existing and creating new software packages which facilitate the goals of the OpenWorm project. It will also involve carrying out research into the physiology, anatomy and behaviour of C. elegans, to ensure the simulations are biologically realistic. Code will be open source from the start and active interaction with the community of researchers in this area will be required.

The role is funded for 3 years in the first instance

If you have any queries about the role or you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please see contact details on the UCL advert page.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, and experience in developing open source tools for investigating (neuro)biological function, a publication record demonstrating the use of such tools in original scientific research, and an active interest in making their research accessible to the wider community.

For appointment to Grade 8, the candidate will have substantial postdoctoral experience, a strong publication track record in this area, evidence of the ability to sustain independent research, and an established reputation in their field as a proponent of open science.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits.

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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