Postdoctoral Research Associate in Network Science

Network Science Institute - London

Northeastern University Global Network

POSITION OVERVIEW

Location: Devon House, London, E1W 1LP

Term: Fixed term (Two-years)

Benefits: Generous benefits package including 25 days holiday allowance pro rata (excl. Bank holidays), group life assurance, group income protection, pension schemes and private healthcare

Start: Flexible start date

Positions are 100% research-focused with a two-year contract, subject to 1-year review.

The role

The Network Science Institute at Northeastern University London (NetSI) is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill an open Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in topological data analysis and higher-order network science, investigate structural and dynamical alteration in brain connectivity and functions, with special attention to neurodegenerative diseases.

The appointed PDRA will work in the Network Science Institute supervised by Prof. Giovanni Petri within the NPLab. The PDRA will interact with members of the group, as well as with graduate and PhD students, and to work across a range of applications of network and topological data analysis, both within and outside of the lab in the context of existing collaborations with computational and cognitive neuroscience.

The PDRA will focus on the analysis and modelling of neurodegenerative conditions, the techniques developed are expected to be valuable across a range of data-driven approaches, e.g. complex systems, computational topology, machine learning and computational mesoscopic modelling.

Duties of the PDRA will range from experimental studies to theoretical and methodological work including the development and testing of computational algorithms. In addition to the main research focus on network neuroscience, the PDRA will have opportunities to collaborate within the lab also on fundamental problems in statistical topology, and the modelling and forecasting of socio-biological systems.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in computational neuroscience, neuroimaging, statistical physics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, complex systems, or other closely related fields. Our priority is to PDRAs who are either technically very strong and interested in asking bold new questions about how our brain works, or coming from the neurosciences and want to position themselves at the forefront of data analysis techniques and complex network science. We provide an unusually rich opportunity for collegial interaction in a highly competitive environment. Mentoring will be provided by a multidisciplinary faculty team including co-investigators on the project and collaborators from neurology, computer science, mathematics and complex systems science.

We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in NUL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.

NetSI London is located in a newly refurbished research building - Moretown, near St Katharine’s Dock. Moretown is the home of research at NU London and houses 70 researchers and PhD students spanning the sciences, social sciences and humanities. This truly multidisciplinary approach promotes a vibrant and intellectually robust environment where real-world challenges can be explored from multiple dimensions.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in or equivalent in Network Science, Complex Systems, Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Mathematics, Physics or related quantitative field.

Essential skills/experience:

1. Experience in complex networks, statistical mechanics or topological data analysis.

2. Have good programming skills in at least one of the following languages: Julia, Rust, Python, C++, Matlab.

3. Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

4. Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and publish research;

5. Highly collaborative spirit and personal initiative.

6. Good time-management and organisational skills

Desirable skills/experience:

1. Ability to supervise junior researchers (e.g. BSc/MSc students).

2. Experience with proposal preparations for external research funding is preferred.

3. Time-management and organisational skills.

4. Experience with EEG and fMRI.

5. Knowledge of computational models of neural populations or whole-brain brain modelling

Job Duties

The appointed PDRA will be expected to carry out independent research, analyse and publish results, prepare reports and publications and contribute to research proposals. They will help mentor both master’s students and the network science doctoral students.

Job duties will include the following roles, with distribution of time, dependent on expertise and seniority.

● 50-60% Assist in initiating, executing and completing research and analysis

● 20-25% Prepare and write research papers, presentations, grant proposals, etc

● 15-20% Data and project management

● 5-10% Collaborate and assist undergraduate/graduate students in the lab

About the Network Science Institute

In 2023, NetSI established a new institute hub in London, UK at Northeastern University London. The new NetSI in London was created to advance research, education, and innovation centred around network science. The hub in London will also facilitate the development and growth of collaborations and partnerships within the UK and across Europe and US. The London hub, along with others in the US, is part of the NetSI Global program, which is dedicated to engaging and integrating regional network science communities and partnering with regional talent, institutions and ecosystems of innovation.

PDRAs will be core members of the Network Science Institute (NetSI), which has offices in Boston MA, Portland MA, and London UK. NetSI, founded in 2014, has emerged as a world leader of multidisciplinary research communities in the field of network science. NetSI brings together expertise from diverse disciplines, from the physical, information, and social sciences, with the goal to build and expand common, synthesising methodology and theory of networks, and to apply these tools to important societal challenges. Research staff will be connected to NetSI’s vibrant community, with dozens of externally funded research programs, diverse faculty, and a uniquely skilled pool of doctoral students.

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university (exceeding $200m external research funding in 2021 – 2022) and the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. Our world-renowned approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create impact far beyond the confines of discipline, degree, and campus.

Our locations—in Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; London; Portland, Maine; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Toronto; Vancouver; and the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant—are nodes in our growing global university system. Through this network we expand opportunities for flexible, student-centred learning and collaborative, solutions-focused research.

Northeastern’s comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs— in a variety of on-campus and online formats—lead to degrees, through to doctorate, in nine colleges and schools. Among these, we offer more than 195 multi-discipline majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

About Northeastern University London (NU London)

Formerly known as New College of the Humanities, and founded in 2012, NU London has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, NU London has undergone a period of rapid growth, having been granted taught degree awarding powers in February 2020 and moving to new state-of-the-art premises, next to Tower Bridge, in 2021. NU London continues to grow, taking in more students every year, further expanding its courses, networks, and accelerating opportunities for research.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Giovanni Petri (Giovanni.petri@nulondon.ac.uk) To be considered for the position, applications must be made in accordance with the process specified.

Application Process

Applications should be made via the jobs.ac apply button (above) by 23:59 on Tuesday 31st October 2023. Please reference your application “PRANS0923GP”.

Please ensure that your application includes a CV and cover letter. Applicants should address the selection criteria and indicate how their background and expertise are aligned with those at NetSI and NU London. You may use bullet points if you wish.

Names and contact information of up to three references should be provided through the cover letter. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. We may be able to offer sponsorship for this role. Please detail your requirements in your cover letter.