Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Neuroscience of Complex Skill Acquisition

Recruitment Period

Project Title: A computational neuroscience approach to skill acquisition and transfer from visuo-haptic VR to real-world. The Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, at the Institute for Neural Computation (INC), at the University of California San Diego is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to become an integral part of an NSF/NICT funded international team studying complex skill acquisition using multimodal brain/body imaging methods. Together with a team at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, we are developing EEG and motion capture methods to describe the neurobehavioral dynamics of complex skill learning. This approach is married with a novel visuo-haptic VR system to simulate dynamic actions under reduced gravity, enabling the 'slow-motion' rehearsal of complex dynamic behaviors. The candidate will work closely with PI John Iversen, Scott Makeig and Makoto Miyakoshi at SCCN and colleagues at Tokyo Institute of Technology.

The project aims to develop a neurobehavioral model of complex skill learning by integrating information from both brain activity and body movement in real time as participants learn real-world activities. The second aim studies ways to enhance learning of complex motor skills. The investigators have developed new visuo-haptic virtual reality (VR) systems that allow detailed interaction with virtual objects, complete with force feedback, to provide a convincing simulation of the real-world but with finer experimental control. This creative VR environment also can simulate changes in the gravitational field which allows using the neurobehavioral model to predict and test human behavior in non-standard environments, such as in space or in underwater applications

Required Qualification: Doctorate degree or its equivalent in fields related to Computational or Cognitive Neuroscience. Appointment is dependent on academic experience, scholarly achievements, skills and knowledge and needs of the project. Candidates must be able to work remotely.

Preferred Qualifications: Postdoctoral or equivalent experience, and commitment to mentoring and research training service to build equitable and diverse scholarly environment. Candidate will have a strong background in the computational neuroscience of motor control or sensorimotor processing. Experience with EEG recording and analysis is preferred, but we are open to training train scientists interested in transitioning into the study of neural dynamics.

This postdoctoral position is a unique opportunity in the cognitive and computational neuroscience of complex skill learning. Our ideal candidate will have a strong background in the computational neuroscience of motor control or sensorimotor processing. Experience with EEG recording and analysis is preferred, but we are open to training train scientists interested in transitioning into the study of neural dynamics. High technical competence in experiment design, quantitative analysis, and programming are required.

Applications are accepted immediately. Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2021 and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and based on published University of California pay scales. Applications (see requirements below) must be submitted to the UCSD on-line application collection system, AP-On-Line Recruit, at: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF02663
The Office of Research Affairs and INC at UC San Diego is committed to academic excellence and diversity within the academic, staff, and student body. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The University of California employs about 5,963 postdoctoral scholars (approx. 1,200 at UCSD) who contribute to the academic community by enhancing the research and education programs of the university. The postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training. UC's postdoctoral scholars bring expertise and creativity that enrich the research environment for all members of the UC community, including graduate and undergraduate students. Appointment durations vary depending on the length of the research project and availability of funding. Total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is the exclusive representative of the postdoctoral scholars.

Please contact John Iversen (jiversen@ucsd.edu) with questions prior to submission.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Applicants should summarize their past or potential contributions to diversity. See our Faculty Equity site for more information.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

• 3-5 letters of reference required

• La Jolla, CA