Postdoctoral Associate Position in Cardiac-Cortical Circuit Modelling. Group for Neural Theory and LNC2, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris.

A three-year post-doctoral position in theoretical neuroscience is open to explore the mechanisms of interaction between interoceptive cardiac and exteroceptive tactile inputs at the cortical level. We aim to develop data-based computational models of cardiac and somatosensory cortical circuit dynamics. Building on these models we will determine the conditions under which interactions between exteroceptive and interoceptive inputs occur and which underlying mechanisms (e.g., phase-resetting, gating, phasic arousal,..) best explain experimental data.

The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree in quantitative discipline (e.g. applied mathematics, physics, engineering) and previous experience with dynamic system approaches to neural function , modelling cortical neural circuits, excellent programming skills coupled with an interest for, and a willingness to learn about, interoception and its influences in perception and cognition. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to join the project at its very inception and take a key role in the technical and conceptual development.

The postdoctoral fellow will be based at the Group for Neural Theory and LNC2 , in Boris Gutkin’s team with strong interactions with Catherine Tallon-Baudry’s team. LNC2 is located in the center of Paris within the Cognitive Science Department at Ecole Normale Supérieure, with numerous opportunities to interact with the Paris scientific community at large, in a stimulating and supportive work environment. Group for Neural Theory provides a rich environment and local community for theoretical neuroscience. Lab life is in English, speaking French is not a requirement. Salary according to experience and French regulations with health and social benefits. Starting date is first semester 2024.

Informal enquiries and applications (CV, motivation letter and contacts for reference) should be sent boris.gutkin@gmail.com and catherine.tallon-baudry@ens.psl.eu. Applications will be evaluated on the fly, the position remaining open until filled.