Summer Research Interns, Center for Computational Neuroscience

Description

The Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) aims to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning. CCN is one of five centers that make up the Flatiron Institute, an internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation, focused on computational aspects of a wide range of basic science. The overall mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including theory, modeling, simulation and data analysis.

Our research groups are:

• Computational vision  (PI: Eero Simoncelli)

• Neural circuits and algorithms  (PI: Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii)

• Statistical analysis of neural data  (PI: Alex Williams)

• Information Processing in Biological Networks & AI (PI: Yuhai Tu)

• NeuroAI and geometric data analysis  (PI: SueYeon Chung)

• NeuroRSE: Neuroscience Research Software Engineering group 

POSITION SUMMARY 

CCN invites applications for paid summer research internships by motivated graduate or advanced undergraduate students in physics, electrical engineering, applied math, computer science or a related field. Knowledge of neuroscience is recommended but not required. Undergraduate students will be appointed with a title of Summer Research Assistant, while graduate students will be appointed with a title of Summer Research Associate.

Those interested in working with the NeuroRSE group should have experience in at least one of the following:

• Using Python packages for scientific computing (e.g., matplotlib, numpy, scikit-learn, etc.).
• Open-source software development (e.g., git, pull request workflow, writing documentation, etc.).
• The relevant neuroscience domain (e.g., calcium image analysis, fitting models to neuroscience data) with some programming background. Additional details are available here.

Summer interns participate as full members of the CCN and Flatiron Institute communities during their internship. Interns are assigned a primary mentor and research group within the center, are invited to attend and present within their research group’s meetings, and are also invited to participate in meetings of CCN’s other research groups as well as center- and Flatiron-wide activities such as guest lectures, training on use of the Institute’s robust scientific computing resources, and intern social activities. Finally, interns will present their work at an Institute-wide symposium held at the end of the internship period. 

This internship will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. CCN will provide roundtrip travel to and from New York City as well as housing for interns based outside of New York City. Visit the Flatiron Institute career page to learn more.

Qualifications

Education:

• Candidates should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, applied math, computer science or a related technical field.

Experience:

• Some research experience in computational neuroscience is recommended.
• Related Skills & Other Requirements:
• Experience programming in Matlab or Python
• Working knowledge of linear algebra and vector calculus

Application Instructions

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Curriculum vitae with bibliography or resume;
• Cover letter of no more tha