Two Postdoctoral Scientist openings, Computational Neuroscience – Anastassiou Lab

Two Postdoctoral Scientist positions are available in Prof. Costas Anastassiou’s laboratory in the Departments of Neurosurgery, Neurology and the Regenerative Medicine Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The successful applicants will join a highly dynamic research group with excellent track-record and rich resources in both basic and translational research on brain disorders (epilepsy and cancer).

The Anastassiou Lab studies how the cellular composition of neurons in the brain translates to their phenotype and how they combine in brain circuits to produce function or, in the case of disease, dysfunction. We have a broad background in multimodal cellular data analysis (electrophysiology, anatomy, transcriptomics) and the development of computational workflows (statistical learning, optimization, and simulation) to understand cellular activity. We collaborate with various teams and clinicians to improve diagnostics and brain therapies. The ideal applicants are self-motivated individuals enthusiastic to interact with other lab members and the PI.

Cedars-Sinai ranked #6 in the US and #2 in California in the U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals 2021-22" analysis!

Postdoctoral Scientist in human cellular and network biophysics: You will be an essential team member in our ongoing effort to understand human brain function spanning across spatiotemporal scales. You will set-up computational simulations and workflows to study slice and in vivo brain physiology in humans. You will be responsible for the design and conduct biophysical simulations with reconstructed, interconnected and biophysically realistic human neurons (e.g. [Reimann, Anastassiou et al, Neuron, 2013]; analyze simulated and experimental cellular data using state-of-the-art statistical analyses (e.g. [Mosher et al, Cell Reports, 2020]); compare computational findings with experimental observables to deduce biophysical principles of high-level functioning [Minxha et al, Science, 2021]. The project is in collaboration with Prof. Ueli Rutishauser, PhD.

Postdoctoral Scientist in electrical stimulation modeling and analysis: Electrical stimulation (ES) is used in research and therapeutic approaches to intervene with pathological activity in neurological disorders. Yet, the biophysical mechanisms underlying ES in the brain remain unclear [Anastassiou et al, Nat Neurosci, 2011; Anastassiou & Koch, Curr Op Neurobiol, 2015]. This project uses state-of-the-art computational tools to study how ES affects cellular and circuit activity and develop novel brain stimulation protocols. The work is conducted in collaboration with the Allen Institute for Brain Science and clinicians in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurology.

Requirements:

• Doctorate (PhD or MD) in computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, bioengineering, electrical engineering or related field. Ph.D. and/or equivalent doctorate within previous four years.
• Experience using advanced programming languages (python, C++, matlab) is required and experience with specialized software such as NEURON is beneficial.

Interested applicants please apply AND email cover letter plus CV to: costas.anastassiou@cshs.org.